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Peter

Chemical Engineering: BEng (Hons) 2016

2016-2017: Postgraduate at Newcastle University (Accounting, Finance and Strategic Investment)

July 2017 onward: Senior Associate at State Street 

 

Why did you choose to study your course at Newcastle University?

I fell in love with the city and the University's proximity to it. It has the campus feel right in the middle of a great and friendly city.

As a hockey player, the level was good and has improved in the years I played here. The social side of Newcastle is no secret to anyone, but it definitely exceeded my expectations.

 

What did you like the most about your course? Did you do a placement in industry or project with industry? If so, how has this experience helped you in your career?

At undergraduate level, I enjoyed the freedom of the design project. It enabled you to conduct research and assess different ways to approach problems and designs, really enabling you to show initiative and creativity in engineering design work.

As a postgraduate, having completed an internship at an Investment Bank between my second and third undergraduate years, I studied a Finance and Investment based masters. Again, it enables the freedom to conduct research, read around the subjects that most interest you and provide you with a strong base of analytical and soft skills for use in the world of work.

 

How would you describe the city of Newcastle upon Tyne?

Friendly, cold and full of opportunity. 

 

What do you think about the clubs and societies that you could join? If you were a member of one, what sort of activities did it involve?

Newcastle University Men’s' Hockey Club - hockey and socials
StuBrew - student brewing
Newcastle University Chemical Engineering Society - socials and recruitment/job advice
 

Where did you live? Was it easy to find somewhere?

I lived in Jesmond. If there’s one thing Newcastle has over every other university in the country, it’s the best student living area - Jesmond. Osborne Road offers a wide range of bars, cheap drinks, good food and local supermarkets to meet your every need.

 

Where do you work now and what does your role involve?

After my postgraduate degree, I have secured a job in London at State Street, a US bank. I will be based in Investment Analytics, with rotations across Global Markets, Global Exchange and Global Advisory services. 

 

How do you feel your course or other activities you were involved in at Newcastle contributed to you achieving your career goals?

Besides the technical knowledge that you gain from a degree, Newcastle is a brilliant place to develop yourself as a person and a professional, and to build a wide range of friends and colleagues. With all of this comes confidence and the self-belief that you can go on to build a strong career.