Valery
Bojarinova

What made you choose to study at NTU?
I was drawn to NTU due to the wide variety of course options and the flexibility they offer. Additionally, the university's location was ideal - it’s close to home, yet situated in a much larger and vibrant city, offering new experiences without being too far.

What has been the highlight of your course so far?
The highlight of my course has been the placement year. I went to Manchester and worked at Arxada’s Research & Development hub. It provided me with invaluable industry insight and introduced me to a wide range of career opportunities I hadn’t previously considered. It was a transformative experience where I felt like I was stepping into the professional world while still receiving supportive guidance from my tutor Jody Winter and the Employability team, which made the transition much smoother.

Do you do any voluntary work alongside your studying?
Yes, I work as a freelance online tutor. This role has helped me enhance both my communication and time management skills, as I balance tutoring sessions with university commitments and placement responsibilities. It also involved liaising with students and their parents to schedule lessons effectively.

What are your future plans after graduation?
Following graduation, I hope to pursue a career in science communication or marketing - an area I became passionate about during my placement year. I’m also considering undertaking a Master’s degree in the future, potentially followed by research work.

How have you found studying at NTU? Has it helped develop skills for your chosen career?
Absolutely. The course structure and variety of modules have played a key role in developing essential skills for my future career. For instance, Microbial Metabolism & Genetics strengthened my analytical and critical thinking, encouraging deeper research and problem solving. Meanwhile, Professional Skills in Microbiology helped me learn how to communicate complex scientific ideas in a way that’s accessible to a wider audience - an essential skill for science communication.

What advice would you give to others?
Take every opportunity that comes your way, even if you’re unsure at first. You won’t know what suits you until you try. I also strongly recommend doing a placement year. It gives you valuable clarity about your career interests and helps you discover which paths within your field truly excite you.