Alex
Mantle

How was your NTU experience?

I had such a fantastic experience at NTU! My course was incredibly rewarding and it has set me up to go into a job that I enjoy doing, that I'd never have thought about applying for without the support of the NTU employability team.

What did you do for your placement?

For my placement, I worked for 11 months for PwC in Aberdeen. I worked as an Audit Associate, essentially performing the role of a first-year graduate programme joiner, examining the financial information of a number of clients, mainly in the oil and gas industry. Although this was very different to what I was studying, I found that many of the skills I picked up during my first two years did help me in the role.

Where are you working now?

Since graduating I'm back working for PwC in Aberdeen. My placement opened the door to a graduate job offer and having had a fantastic experience I accepted it without a second thought. I've been enjoying settling in to working in a more senior role since I came back, and it has been great to reconnect with people in the office that I had met before.

What advice would you give to others?

Don't be afraid to try new things when it comes to looking for jobs! I don't think most people realise how many transferable skills you pick up during university, regardless of what you study, that set you up well to move into different fields as a graduate.

Did you get involved in clubs and societies at NTU?

My first two years were quite disrupted by COVID, so I had limited involvement with societies. But in my final year, when I came back from my placement, I joined Swimming and Water polo. I played in BUCS games and the Varsity match for the Men’s Water polo team and made some fantastic memories with the other members of the club. Joining Swim/Polo was great for me, especially as I was joining a different year group on my course after returning from placement.

What made you choose NTU?

The course had a good ranking and I liked the location. I loved my course at NTU, it was exactly what I had hoped it would be! My life in Nottingham was equally as good. Despite applying late, I found group chats for my course and flat and quickly made friends meaning that when I arrived, settling in was easy.

My favourite part about the course was the lab facilities. The lab experience on my course was crucial to me and this was a concern for me when applying through Clearing. I absolutely believe that coming to NTU was the correct decision for me.

All of the lecturers were very knowledgeable in their subject areas and very helpful with any student problems. You are tutored by a lecturer for the duration of the course and this gives the opportunity for them to form genuine personal connections in order to help you. Technical staff in the labs were also very helpful with any problems you have with practical sessions.

In a nutshell, why would you recommend your course / NTU to someone looking to study in that area?

NTU has a great atmosphere around it and everyone is extremely friendly. The Chemistry course is supported by amazing facilities and a fantastic group of staff.

What advice would you give someone thinking about going through Clearing?

Just be prepared, have phone numbers or at the very least websites of the universities you would like to apply to ready. Have several choices ready with various entry requirements just to be safe. Have a clear favourite choice, so that you don’t end up torn between offers or picking the first place you can get into and then regret it.

On the day I collected my results and immediately went home and started calling the numbers. I called the NTU hotline where the staff were extremely helpful and the process of getting a place accepted through Clearing was quick and to what limited extent it could be, stress-free.

Our guide to Clearing will answer your questions about the Clearing process, how you’ll know if you are eligible, and how to choose the right university for you.