Sylvia Oetakhogbogie's Graduate Story

What did you study at Manchester Met and why?

I studied Pharmaceutical Chemistry, as I have always been passionate about science, especially chemistry and its discoveries. The in-depth study of chemical processes and how it links to our everyday life.

Growing up as a black person, I realised there weren’t as many organic skin care products suitable for people with dark skin. I was fascinated by the possibility of creating new organic skin care products for dark-skinned people like myself, which is what led me to study Pharmaceutical chemistry. By studying chemistry, you gain a wide range of skills that can be transferable to other disciplines. This was also mentioned on the visit day when I had the opportunity to do some experiments in the laboratory.

I also chose Manchester Met because I live in Manchester and didn’t want to travel far away for university. I have my family here and wanted to commute.

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

I enjoyed my time here at Manchester Met. I didn’t just limit myself to studying my course. I realised there were so many opportunities for students to gain wider skills, and I decided to maximise as many as I could.

 Aside from enjoying my course, I enjoyed working several different roles as a student ambassador with jobs4students. This is something I always advise incoming students to do. I worked jobs that I could fit around my studies. The Job opportunities were from different departments in the university. I had the chance to work with a variety of students and staff members across the university, and was able to expand my network, whilst gaining new skills and earning money. I also enjoyed participating in extra-curricular activities, especially on RISE, and gaining RISE points. I liked the feeling of attaining more than just my academic achievement and being able to showcase my wider skills.

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

In my final year, one of the extra-curricular programmes I participated in was ASPIRE, which is currently renamed STRIVE. Participating in the programme helped redirect my career pathway into education, and I went on to study for a Post Graduate Certificate Education (PGCE) in Chemistry. I kept in contact with the university’s careers service and was supported by the team. 

During my PGCE, I received an email from the university about the Future Talent programme, which provides a 12-week internship for Manchester Met graduates. There were several roles across the different departments in the university. Amongst the jobs posted was a Project Support Officer for the STRIVE programme. I applied for the post and got the job.

What is it like working in your field?

I enjoy my job, as it allows me to support students across the university. My experience of working in different roles as a student ambassador and the extracurricular programmes have been beneficial in my role. I can share my lived experience with other students. Some of the research skills gained from my study have also really been handy. After the 12 weeks, my contract was extended, and I am currently working as a co-ordinator on the programme covering administrative duties, supporting students, liaising with external clients, as well as university staff members. It was tough when I started as I had to learn a range of new things about managing a project, but my knowledge of studying and working at the university has been a big stepping stone to working in this field.

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

In my day-to-day work life, I have a varied role which involves both independent work and teamwork. I communicate with both external clients and internal staff members. I attend numerous meetings, both in person and online, with staff members and students, and I am responsible for writing meeting minutes that are then followed up on and actioned. I also provide support and advice to students and handle administrative work using Microsoft software. In addition, I attend workshops and events, and sometimes I am tasked with planning or co-planning these events. I also lead students in participating in workshops outside of the university.

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

The technical skills that I gained from my undergraduate course are data analysis, writing skills, proficiency in Microsoft Office, and other research skills. Additionally, the pedagogical skills I acquired during my PGCE studies have been beneficial. The broader skills obtained from extracurricular programs and working in various roles with jobs4students have also proven useful. Most importantly, the skills acquired from directly participating in the program I am currently coordinating have been the most valuable.

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

For students looking to get into my field of work, I’d recommend getting support from the university’s careers team. Keep an eye on the university website, especially the careers website for new opportunities posted and register with jobs4students to have access to opportunities. Connect with your course group on LinkedIn, get involved in extracurricular activities, and expand your network.

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

I maximised as many opportunities over the three years of my undergraduate course, and this prepared me for the future. I accrued 890 RISE points and went above and beyond. I never wanted to look back and have any regrets thinking I didn’t do enough. I graduated receiving the Jeff Ding Chemistry Prize for Outstanding Graduating Student, voted by the chemistry academic staff. So, no! I couldn’t have done anything differently.

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

The university has a lot of opportunities to offer students, use every opportunity to build yourself professionally, whilst working hard to attain your best academic result.

Do you identify as being part of an ethnicity other than white?

Yes

Do you feel being a student from an ethnicity other than white affected your University experience or career path?

I’d say being a student from an ethnic minority background didn’t affect my university experience but affected my career pathway. After completing my undergraduate course, I realised it would be more difficult to secure a career in chemistry than I had imagined. Research shows there aren’t as many black people pursuing chemistry research careers, especially black women. I don’t think it isn’t doable, I think it would just be too hard to chase now, as being a parent and having a family to care for is my priority.

Nonetheless, participating in the extracurricular STRIVE programme opened my eyes to see some black people in education. Therefore, I realised I could still pursue a career in education, which I couldn’t have imagined as a pathway.

The best way to go about things in life is to have a can-do attitude!