Emily Michie - South Hampsted - 1992 - 1999

Science and Engineering 

My experience is primarily in Materials, which involves the study of the chemistry and physics of materials such as Metals, Plastics, Ceramics and composites.

On leaving school I took a gap year and worked for an engineering sub group of London Underground Ltd. called Site Services.   This experience gave me time to think and helped me to apply to study Material Science at Imperial College, when faced with such a large choice of options in the field of engineering. 

Since starting my studies at Imperial College I’ve worked in Oviedo, Spain for two months looking at Carbon anodes for the Aluminium Industry, lived in Madrid for twelve months working at the National Centre of Metallurgy and spent four months working in Japan for the Automotive Industry. 

Before graduating with an MEng with honours, I felt sure that upon graduating I would apply for jobs within related industries.  In the end I became very passionate about my final year project, and along with a few job applications, I applied for a full time PhD in this subject area.  I was fortunate in securing funding and decided to stay at university.   Contrary to what many think, PhDs can be reasonably well paid and I do not feel disadvantaged when comparing to alternate salaries a company might pay.   I also give laboratory demonstrations to first year undergraduates, which helps to supplement my income.  If you are thinking of continuing your studies as a postgraduate, I would advise that you consider the project and supervisor very carefully.  This is your research and you need to sustain motivation for it. 

I am very happy to offer advice to anyone interested in a career in Science and Engineering or simply thinking of studying it at university.  Being a student I am not in a position to offer placements, but I can certainly give advice on how to go about finding one or life as a postgraduate.

If you are considering a degree in a science related area you’ll find doors begin to open to you.  I may be biased but I think that it is probably the most flexible degree you could apply for, whatever you decide to be or do after university, be it in management, consultancy, industry or teaching.  Certainly don’t be intimidated by a traditionally male dominated degree choice, this has never set me back and if anything being a minority gives you an advantage.