Will Morley-Brown

Job title and description:

Contract Analyst for the world's largest investor owned utility company. I look after the running of two power stations and my responsibilities include the supply of fuel, sale of output, compliance with legislation and customer liaison.

What degree did you study?

MChem (Hons) Chemistry with French from UMIST (now University of Manchester).

What are your main duties of work?

My job is office based but includes significant amounts of travel. I am able to see a direct link between my work and the results of the company. I have regular customer meetings and liaise with a large number of people within the company and in the wider industry.

What are your favourite aspects of the job?

• Diverse range of contacts
• Travel
• Opportunity for development (UK and international placements)
• Remuneration package

What kind of salary can a graduate expect to earn in this job?

A graduate could expect a starting salary of approximately £22,000 plus £1,500 sign-on bonus. This would include an 18 month structured training programme (including overseas placement), good holiday package with healthcare after one year in post. After 5 years, depending on post, few graduates will be earning less than £35,000 per year.

How has your degree helped you?

My degree has made me numerate and analytical. The foreign language skills are a benefit generally but not directly to my job. The exposure to science and engineering makes it much easier for me to understand issues that affect the operation of the company's plants. At the end of my time at university I carried out a sabbatical year in an elected student union position. This was very beneficial to my career experience.

Any further information?

The job requires numeracy skills and a strong analytical mind. I have been fully supported to study for the Chartered Institute of Management Accounting (CIMA) qualification and have recently attained chartered status. My employer pays for, and gives me time to attend foreign language classes.