Kathryn
Sneade

How was your NTU experience?

My NTU experience was very positive. It has a friendly atmosphere where there are so many opportunities to join clubs or societies and make new friends. Nottingham being a big student city is also an advantage as the city during term time is always buzzing. I would really recommend NTU to any students looking to start university.

What did you do for your placement year?

I worked at Domino Printing Sciences during my placement year in their ink development team, specifically in the digital printing team which focuses on ink for labels. These labels are used on many worldwide known brands. This year allowed me to develop my lab skills in a different way to that at university. Industry works very differently in regards to timescales etc! I had to work on projects with tight deadlines, and would report weekly on any progress. This gave me some vital skills that are now applicable to my career post university.

Where are you working now?

I now work in the paint industry as a technical support representative. I am the link between Research & Development work and the end customer. I am responsible for running new product trials, whilst ensuring continuous technical advice and support to existing customers. I am also the technical lead to key accounts that we supply, ensuring products meet tight specifications. This role provides opportunity for frequent domestic and international travel, servicing customers around the globe.

What advice would you give to others?

If you have the opportunity, I would really recommend any second year students to look for a placement. Not only does this give valuable industry experience which employers seek, it also gives an insight in to how your chemistry can be applied to real life scenarios. Before my placement and work now, I never appreciated how chemistry could be applied to the coatings industry, but I use those skills every day in my job. It also gives you a year away from academia, which allowed me to come back refreshed for third year and the hard work it brings!

What was the best thing about NTU?

The Chemistry course is an accredited course, with a good balance of theoretical teaching and practical learning. NTU has a fantastic range of equipment which is accessible throughout your time as a student. Also, our year group was slightly smaller than those at other universities meaning access to support from teaching staff was easier.

Kathryn also studied MSc Chemistry at NTU.