Olamide Jogunola's Graduate Story

What did you study at Manchester Met and why?

After completing my MSc degree, I decided to pursue a PhD in Engineering at Manchester Met to fulfil my ambition of becoming an academic. I was drawn to the research being conducted, the availability of PhD studentships, and the impressive staff profiles.

Did you enjoy your time at Manchester Met? What was your favourite part of your experience?

I did! The culture, the people, their responsiveness to queries, and most importantly, my supervisor, Professor Bamidele Adebisi. Pursuing a PhD has its ups and downs and hasn’t been a straightforward path. There were times I felt like I wasn’t doing enough and felt rejected, especially during the process of publishing my work. However, my supervisor’s constant reassurance that I was making progress with my research helped boost my confidence. The part I enjoyed the most was the opportunity to travel. During my PhD, I had the chance to visit South Korea and several European countries for conference presentations and project technical meetings, which was incredibly rewarding.

What journey did you take whilst looking for a job once finishing University?

My supervisor secured additional funding, and due to the progress I made with my research, I transitioned into a new role as a Post-Doctoral Research Associate (PDRA). However, I had to go through the standard recruitment process, including applying and being interviewed to secure the PDRA position. I worked in this role for two years before applying for my current position as a Lecturer for the Department of Computing and Mathematics.

What is it like working in your field?

It can be overwhelming - from preparing for lectures, delivering them, grading student work, conducting research, attending meetings, and handling administrative tasks. It feels never-ending. However, the most rewarding aspect of being an academic is the opportunity to make a real impact in people’s lives. I would choose this field over and over again.

What does your day-to-day life look like at work?

The day-to-day tasks vary depending on the academic calendar. During teaching periods, I prepare lecture materials and deliver them. During assessment periods, I primarily focus on grading students’ work. In the summer months, the main focus is on research.

What skills or experience did you learn at Manchester Met that are key to your work life?

I have acquired both technical and soft skills, through continuous professional development courses I attended at Manchester Met as part of completing my PhD. These courses covered critical thinking, research writing for publication, literature surveys, career talks, and more. In terms of soft skills, my interaction with my supervisory team has allowed me to develop collegiality, teamwork, collaboration, and other related skills. Also, taking on roles such as laboratory demonstrators, teaching assistants, and delivering guest lectures have all helped me prepare for my current role.

What advice would you give students looking to get into your field of work?

It is essential to have a PhD if you are pursuing a career in academia, although some universities may consider candidates without PhDs. You can find academic job listings on jobs.ac.uk. I’d advise building their professional networks as they advance in their studies. Take on roles such as lab demonstrators or course representatives, and if possible, seek part-time positions such as tutoring GCSE/A-levels students. These experiences provide transferable skills that can be showcased to potential employers. If you’re working on your PhD research, it’s important to stay in sync with your supervisors, take on their advice, and make your work accessible to others through peer-reviewed publications or social media.

Do you think you could have done anything differently during your course which could have better prepared you for working life after graduation?

I could have focused more on building and maintaining my professional network with the opportunities I had to travel for research activities during my PhD. My advice is to take advantage of every opportunity to expand your professional network. Start by connecting with your project supervisor or personal tutors. Attend career talks and workshops to meet people who share your interests. Also, follow people on LinkedIn who may have an impact on your career.

If you could give one piece of advice for those starting their career journey, what would you say?

An adage in the Yoruba language says, “The sky is big enough for birds to fly without hurting themselves.” This means that we all have our own space to develop and grow. If you find something that truly interests you, nurture and develop it. As you become more proficient, avoid comparing yourself to others, as doing so may hold you back.