Meet our alumni

Carly Emsley-Jones
Masters in Sport Development and Coaching
Class of 2011

My name is Carly Emsley-Jones and I graduated from Cardiff Metropolitan University in 2011 with a Masters in Sport Development and Coaching which was based at Cyncoed Campus. Following this I told myself my time as a student was over as I headed into my graduate job as a Sport Development Officer.

A few years later, I was invited to return to Cardiff Met to deliver a guest lecture to sport students, providing them with an insight to my role and to share my experience. Little did I know, the buzz I had from delivering this one guest lecture eventually led to me returning to Cyncoed to complete a PGCE in Post-Compulsory Education and Training and I graduated in July 2014. I was by no means academically gifted in school but by the time I was 25 I had completed a BSc, MA and PGCE (I know what you are thinking, all that student discount…it was great!).

I hold fantastic and happy memories of my time as a student at Cardiff Met, I made some life-long friends and received outstanding academic support throughout (Bev Smith, John Rawlins, Rhiain Burberry and Leanne Davies to name a few!). The PGCE qualification enabled me to work as a Football Association of Wales Safeguarding Tutor and a Sport Lecturer at Coleg Y Cymoedd alongside my role in Sport Development (you could say I like to keep myself busy), opportunities which wouldn’t have been possible without it.

My career pathway took a turn in 2017 as I started a role as a Project Officer for Cardiff University leading on the Mentoring Scheme and delivering their Academic Study Skills Programme. I always had a personal interest surrounding employability so when a job was advertised at Cardiff Met as a Careers Consultant, I was excited at the prospect of working in Careers and in turn submitted my application. I was successful and appointed in February 2019 – I was back home but this time as a staff member!

As part of my role, I am responsible for supporting students who are studying Health Science, Technology and Social Policy related programmes and this may be through 1:1 guidance appointments, in-curriculum lectures and employer insight events. Topics include exploring career options, applying for further study or even support with job applications. Working in this role during Covid-19 has been challenging yet interesting; we have moved our services online and are still able to support the students from the comfort of our own home (although, my cat likes to gate-crash some webinars).

I have been a Careers Consultant for nearly two years and have just completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Careers Education, Information and Guidance in Higher Education at Warwick University (I have given up saying “never again” in relation to studies now!).

In terms of words of wisdom from me, remember that your career pathway may not be linear and that’s completely ok, the transferrable skills you will have gained present you with options. Don’t be afraid to push yourself out of your comfort zone, work in a different industry, meet new people, delve into new challenges and take risks because if you don’t, you’ll never reap the rewards."

Maurice Hoskins
BSc (Hons) Applied Human Nutrition
Class of 1999

Tell us about your time at Cardiff Met

After a varied employment experience, mostly in England, with bouts of unemployment and near homelessness, I moved to Wales, met my future wife and we settled here. In the past, friends had often said that I ought to study for a degree, but I did not feel I was capable. I had failed both English Language and Mathematics at O Level at school, even though I managed to pass them at college in Bristol the following year. Thus I barely considered further academic study for many years.

My wife, a teacher, however, encouraged me to see whether I could find a suitable course. I was accepted on the Access course at what was the Cardiff Institute of Higher Education (which became UWIC of course). Passing with very good marks, I was then able to consider my options. Eventually I asked to be allowed onto the Nutrition and Dietetics course, which was headed up by Mary Barasi. I believe they catered for ten percent admittance for mature students, of which I was definitely one! Having found chemistry and biology of interest at school and college in Bristol and behavioural studies at basic level later in life, the course seemed appropriate. Indeed it was.

The first year was fairly straightforward for me, as a mature student with life experiences. I was able also to encourage the younger students when they seemed to need it. It became rather more challenging of course, but I had expected that. Sometimes I did well, other times not so much, but never having to re-do anything. Ultimately, I was given the chance of being awarded the higher Second Class degree with a viva voce. So pleased to have achieved that.

Tell us about your experience since leaving Cardiff Met

Although I had worked for Companies House in Cardiff immediately prior to studying for the degree, I did not manage to find employment straight away. My wife had a full-time job teaching here in Wales, so we did not want to move particularly. Also, we liked where we were living.

Eventually, I got a temporary job at the Health Promotion Library at Llanishen through an agency. They seemed to like me and took me on permanently subsequently. Strangely, I ended up in one of the places recommended by the tutors for valuable resources for study, which I had probably visited! We were a small team (four) with varying employment schedules. Thus, I was often on my own in the library in the latter part of the day. As well as the requirement for good quality customer service (academics, student nurses, Government employees), I took charge of the complete academic journal collection. I also provided searches and papers as required by those working for the Department for Health at Cathays Park.

After six years of this work, I felt I had to retire because I had been dealing with my wife's illness and, sadly, death at only 53 years of age. Although I returned to work, it simply was not good for me at that time. Fortunately and by chance and good management from above I was offered voluntary early retirement (I was employed as a Civil Servant because the library at that time was administered by the Welsh Assembly Government). The library is now defunct, but I have no doubt the degree helped me greatly in my employment there. During my early retirement I volunteered for five years with a local charity involved with the elderly.

Where are you at the moment

I am now retired and widowed, living in Wales. My two siblings live in England.

If you could offer a piece of advice, a tip or simply some words of encouragement to fellow members of the Cardiff Met Community, what would it be?

Keep going! Accept the challenge. It's only three years, which goes by so quickly. The end point is well worth all that effort. Once achieved, no-one can take that away from you.

Adi Asmawi Adanan
HND Sport Development and Coaching
Class of 2012

Tell us about your time at Cardiff Met

Initially, Cardiff Met was not my primary choice but thankfully I received an unconditional offer to do the course, which was the main reason why I finally chose Cardiff Met. My time in Cardiff Met was unforgettable.

Being an international student, it was quite challenging at first to blend in with the crowd. The students in Cardiff Met, especially in Cardiff School of Sport were very welcoming and I was able to cope with the change in environment quite well. There were a lot of Bruneians studying in Cardiff Met as well, so it always felt like home. I did not stay in the on-campus student accommodation as I opted to rent a house with my three other fellow Bruneians who studied at Cardiff School of Management in Llandaff campus.

I was part of the Cardiff Met Athletics Team, specialising in short sprints. I also had the opportunity to be part of the Cardiff Archers Junior Athletics Club as an assistant coach, coaching the younger children at the grassroots level. I will forever cherish the memories I had during my time in Cardiff Met.

Tell us about your experience since leaving Cardiff Met

After graduating from Cardiff Met, I realised the opportunity to become a coach was very slim as there was a lack of demand at that time so I chose to join the Army instead. The skills, knowledge and experience I gained during my time in Cardiff definitely helped me during my Officer Cadet training. I was very fortunate to receive the 'Best Academic' award after graduating from Officer Cadet School.

Thanks to technology, I have been keeping in touch with my fellow Welsh friends from Cardiff Met via social media even when we are in different continents and time zones. I will definitely come back to visit Cardiff in the future.

Where are you at the moment?

I am currently a Communications Officer serving in the Royal Brunei Land Force. Looking back at my academic qualifications, it has nothing to do with my current career. However, the experience gained in Cardiff Met was valuable, particularly in my personal development as well as the knowledge that I acquired. Happily married to my beautiful wife Fairuz Madinah and blessed with a lovely son, Ahmad Ilyasa'.

If you could offer a piece of advice, a tip or simply some words of encouragement to fellow members of the Cardiff Met Community, what would it be?

One thing I learnt throughout the years is that people will have different journeys throughout their life. Some will have a straight path and some will experience a long-winding road. Eventually, you will reach your destination. You just have to focus on your goals and always aim for the best.

Hui Cai
MA Education (TESOL)
Class of 2020

Tell us about your time at Cardiff Met

As for the reasons to study at Cardiff Met, I love English and sharing my language learning experiences with others, so I chose English teacher as my career goal. What's more, the UK is a native English-speaking country and Cardiff is near the sea.

What impressed me most when studying at Cardiff Met is the friendly teachers and staff. They treated me as a friend, and they were patient to offer help whenever I had problems in study or living in Cardiff.

Tell us about your experience since leaving Cardiff Met

The studying and living experiences in the UK have helped me a lot for my English teaching career. What's more, my experiences also have inspired my students to learn English well and study abroad in the future.

Where are you at the moment?

After graduating from Cardiff Met, I returned to my home country China and have achieved my career goal to become a high school English teacher.

If you could offer a piece of advice, a tip or simply some words of encouragement to fellow members of the Cardiff Met Community, what would it be?

If you don't ask, you will never learn.

The limit of my language is the limit of my world.

As an international student, cherish every moment and it will be one of the most unforgettable memories in your life.

Chris Davies
Humanities and EMBA
Class of 2008 and 2022

Tell us about your time at Cardiff Met

I was a mature student when completing my BA and am even more of one now! I chose both courses after talking to the relevant course directors.

The BA was literally a case of being accepted into a degree program without traditional qualifications. I had just returned from living in Australia for 5 years and was conscious of the need for a degree to improve any career prospects. I was just a guy who liked reading and was bordering on IT illiteracy when I began the course. I was fortunate enough to have a job that was conducive to studying. I met a lot of great friends during the course, all seem to be on interesting career pathways.

The EMBA was a spur of the moment decision, I'd been contemplating an MBA as a return to HE as it seemed the logical next step for my career. I sent an email in September and was able to get fast-tracked onto the course.

Tell us about your experience since leaving Cardiff Met

I was a little late applying for a PGCE so never went down that route, I'd applied for a few graduate programs without success and was at a bit of a crossroads.

A chance conversation at a Halloween party presented a job opportunity within the anti-piracy department of a large software company. I was the 2nd person to join what was essentially a start-up. Within 6 months I was in Naples on a legal action with the Italian police. Two years later, I was responsible for leading a team of investigators in Europe, conducting negotiations and legal actions throughout the region.

I was headhunted by my current company in 2016 to lead on their anti-piracy efforts globally. Prior to COVID, this entailed a large amount of travelling, usually to China or India.

Where are you at the moment?

I'm currently running the License Compliance department globally for a software company. Our products are predominantly used in the Media and Entertainment industry, enabling movie studios to bring ideas to the screen.

I'm responsible for identifying and convincing illegal users of our software to become legitimate customers, it has its challenges! On the flip-side, it has presented me with some amazing travel opportunities as my major markets are China, Russia and India.

I'm also back at Cardiff Met in the 2nd year of a part-time EMBA.

If you could offer a piece of advice, a tip or simply some words of encouragement to fellow members of the Cardiff Met Community, what would it be?

Always be prepared to adapt and learn. 

Joe Etherington
PGCE Primary
Class of 2016

Tell us about your time at Cardiff Met

I chose to visit Cardiff Met because its reputation precedes it. However, I wasn't prepared for what came next. Not only is the Cyncoed campus nestled in a beautiful part of the city but after stepping off the train, I was instantly hooked by the city's combination of cosmopolitan-meets- history.

The interview process was so personable and even before being offered a place, I felt at home.

Even though I only studied at Cardiff Met for one short year, the friendships I made still live on. Not only I am in regular contact with mentors and colleagues from my work placement but recently, a fellow graduate and I were reunited in the Middle East where we both work in neighbouring countries as primary teachers.

Tell us about your experience since leaving Cardiff Met

Since graduating with the year group's top grade, I completed two years at a primary school in Cheshire where I was a class teacher and PE coordinator. A real highlight was producing the school's debut album and taking the children on a concert and media tour.

I then relocated to Dubai to found the country's premier environmentally focussed school which is rooted in eco-literacy, sustainability and environmental justice. Writing the curriculum for Year 4 was a real career milestone and recently, I took my passion for wellbeing to the next level when I was appointed as the school's mindfulness coordinator. No two days are the same when you work with children from all around the world, as well as animals in the school's biodomes and farm.

Covid19 has re-established my commitment to teaching, as we were forced to adapt to a revolutionary approach to learning in a matter of days. Teaching online provided opportunities to be creative and engage with children in a completely different way. With the challenges stemming from Covid-19, my focus has shifted to wellbeing and pastoral care and I am now the school's mindfulness coordinator.

Where are you at the moment?

I am a primary school teacher and recently, I helped found a brand new environmentally focused school in Dubai. I have been teaching in Dubai for 3 years now.

If you could offer a piece of advice, a tip or simply some words of encouragement to fellow members of the Cardiff Met Community, what would it be?

The PGCE is one of the most challenging years imaginable but keep going. Persevere and work hard but don't forget to show compassion to yourself.

Kieran Joseph
BSc Sport and Physical Education
Class of 2015

Tell us about your time at Cardiff Met

My time as a student at Cardiff Met was a life-highlight! I loved my course because it enabled me to learn concepts within Physical Education, Sport and wider Societal issues that I was passionate about. As the School of Sport Student Rep in my 2nd year, it was an honour to gather and project the voice of all the students in the School of Sport and to see the Academic and SU staff implement actions in 'real-time'! We had fun through Open Mic Nights in the Centro SU Bar, welcoming students from all campus' and Schools - we would have 200-250 people attend on some events!

I enjoyed leading the 'Christians-in-Sport' group and being an active member of the Christian Union, being a part of various events that occurred across the campuses that blessed many people. Peers and I had a lot of fun in practical modules that took us from the Basketball courts to the Swimming pool to the Gymnasium! This led to me gathering quite a few Coaching qualifications and experiences that fed into my next chapter as a PE teacher and beyond! Tuesday and Wednesday nights at Revs led to some outrageous shapes being thrown down on the dancefloor.

The highlights continue to roll and roll to the extent where a short article does not do justice! All the way up to a Sunny Summer Graduation at the Millennium Centre in July 2015! It was an honour to be awarded the 'best all-round undergraduate male in the Cardiff School of Sport' but the friends and experiences I gained along the way were of greater value.

Tell us about your experience since leaving Cardiff Met

I graduated then moved a month later to Nottingham to do a School Direct Secondary PE PGCE. A year later, I moved to Coventry after being successful in gaining a role as a Secondary PE Teacher in a diverse, inner-city School. During my 2nd and 3rd year of teaching, I completed by MA in Education part-time through the University of Nottingham.

Whilst I am honoured to be able to celebrate degrees and jobs, there have been many other formative experiences that have shaped who I am today. One of those collective experiences has been the 'Football, Faith and Community' work that I was able to engage with during my degree and afterwards. Three notable highlights have been able to lead work: 1. Less than a mile from Cyncoed Campus on 'Glenwood [Church] Soccer School' in 2014 and 2015; 2. Leading a Refugee Soccer Camp in Seattle for Ambassadors Football International and the International Rescue Committee in 2018; 3. Delivering training in Rwanda and South Africa for Ambassadors Football in 2019.

In Autumn 2019, I decided to hand in my resignation (due to feeling God wanted me to step into a new chapter of life - my faith and trust in God leads all that I do). This set me on a trajectory to cease teaching at Easter 2020, without knowing that 'coronavirus' was alive and active! Long-story-short, I created a Basketball and Mental Health programme that is called "Guardian Ballers". I will be working in partnership primarily with Coventry and Warwickshire Mind to begin delivering this programme in Secondary Schools in Coventry from January 2021. Periodically and strategically, I will support work locally and internationally (Rwanda and potentially Lebanon) which using Sport or Charitable resources to help vulnerable communities.

Where are you at the moment?

I am living in Coventry and am about to embark on a new chapter of life as the "Founder and Director of Guardian Ballers" (a Mental Health and Basketball programme for children and young people in partnership with CW Mind). I am also acting as an "International Community Sport Developer" by supporting work in Rwanda.

If you could offer a piece of advice, a tip or simply some words of encouragement to fellow members of the Cardiff Met Community, what would it be?

Know that you are a 'work-in-progress': Always have grace for yourself when things don't work out how you'd hoped. But continue to progress, put one foot in front of the other towards the things that you are passionate about.

Pursue vision: 'Dare to dream' by writing down your vision for your life (on whatever medium). Then take time periodically, maybe annually/termly/monthly to reflect on your journey so far.

Choose joy and thankfulness, often and always. In every season, choose to find the things that give you joy and find things that you can be thankful for.

Kirsty Hillitt
BSc Biomedical Science
Class of 2016

Tell us about your time at Cardiff Met

My time at Cardiff Met was enlightening. It gave me the freedom to develop into the independent adult that I am today. I’ll always remember the friends that I made and the opportunities I got to develop my scientific knowledge and experience. I was fortunately given the opportunity to spend 10 weeks with Dr Mike Beeton to assess the antimicrobial activity of Manuka Honey against Ureaplasma SPP which is now a publish scientific article for people to read and assess for their own future research. I also got the opportunity to be a course representative and the voice of students for educational and social purposes.

Tell us about your experience since leaving Cardiff Met

As a Quality Officer, I use my problem-solving skills day to day to ensure that drugs are produced to the highest standards to maintain product quality and patient safety. I have built a career in treating patients but a different branch to hospital. I never have even considered a career in pharmaceuticals - I always thought I would be working in a hospital laboratory (which is also an amazing job opportunity) but I didn’t realise the wide opportunities that a degree in Biomedical Science could present.

Where are you at the moment?

I currently work at a pharmaceutical company as a quality assurance officer and use my scientific knowledge and expertise in the manufacture, packaging and quality of pharmaceuticals. The university gave me the ability to be in a position to buy my house at 23, to be able to progress quickly in my career. I am happy and content and grateful for where I am right now and the opportunities Cardiff Met gave me.

If you could offer a piece of advice, a tip or simply some words of encouragement to fellow members of the Cardiff Met Community, what would it be?

Keep your options open! Your degree provides you with the knowledge but also a range of transferable skills which can allow you to develop a career anywhere. Be patient as well, your hard work will pay off.

Delphi Campbell
BFA Fine Art
Class of 2020

Tell us about your time at Cardiff Met

I started studying at Cardiff Met when I was 19, with only two things in my mind. I couldn't wait to move somewhere new, and I had to study art. I had no idea how much I would love CSAD and my time here, and the experience was truly transformative for me.

I chose Fine Art at Cardiff Met because my interview experience was amazing; the tutors were genuinely interested in me and my work, and after I felt nourished and confident that this was the place for me. I already loved Cardiff so my decision to move here from Worcester was easy.

As a student I was determined to make the most of my time and really enjoyed my roles in the Student's Union, from Course Rep to Part Time Officer. One of my favourite things about student life was how vibrant the art scene is here, and I spent much of my free time seeing exhibitions with friends and going to other art events.

When I became disabled in my first year, my tutors were nothing but supportive and encouraging, an attitude that never failed me through my whole degree. Though I struggled with being ill and with my mental health, I always found support with the staff and I built my own network of loved ones in Cardiff, many of whom I know will be mates for life. With the reassurance of faculty and friends, I found a new confidence in myself and in my artwork, that I can safely say would not have happened without choosing Fine Art at Cardiff Met.

Tell us about your experience since leaving Cardiff Met

After I graduated, I spent the summer making art and entering a new world of virtual exhibitions. It's been great to see how the creative world has adapted with Covid, and made contemporary art more accessible to all. I've been working towards my goal of being self-employed through commissions, shows and residencies.

When I was nominated to apply for the fellowship, I was surprised and incredibly happy. It hadn't really been on my radar as I didn't think I would be considered for it, and after the application process and interviews, I was honoured to be offered the place. After that, and graduating with a First, I realised that I could have a real shot at working as an artist, and my determination grew even more. The position has allowed a disabled, queer, single-parented woman like me to get a foothold into working as a contemporary artist, and has been an amazing opportunity for me to get myself out there and focus on my work.

I've been extremely fortunate to have this position, especially since this year has come with more health problems for me. I was recently diagnosed with a condition that causes degrading neurological damage, and it's been a tough few months, with injections into my bicep every other day for treatment. The first phase of these injections is over now though, and I can move forward with my future plans, and continue to fully harness the opportunities that come with the fellowship.

Late last year I began applying for Masters courses, and I'm so proud of myself as soon I will be moving to Oxford University to begin my postgraduate at the Ruskin. I'm incredibly excited about this next chapter, and I know I couldn't have done it without the support of Fine Art at Cardiff Met.

Where are you at the moment?

Currently I am a Step-Change Fellow with the Artist Benevolent Fund, collaborating with Cardiff Met. The fellowship is awarded to one or two outstanding graduates of CSAD each year, and along with a stipend offers one to one mentoring, support from the university including a studio space. I am utilising this opportunity to develop my sewing, woodworking, metalworking, and electronics skills further. I plan to travel to Berlin and Paris to explore new art scenes and visit exhibitions to gain new perspectives on my work. I will also be giving talks and hosting tutorials for the current undergraduate students.

If you could offer a piece of advice, a tip or simply some words of encouragement to fellow members of the Cardiff Met Community, what would it be?

Make the most of your student time - sign up to societies, be a course rep, go to socials, get a job with the SU, and get out into Cardiff and explore. I loved every second

Halyna Soltys
BSc Psychology
Class of 2020

Tell us about your time at Cardiff Met

University was one of the best experiences of my life and I miss it so much. Despite the challenges that I faced, I thoroughly enjoyed being pushed and being part of an inclusive and diverse community at Cardiff Met. 

Before university, I felt lost. I was unsure what I wanted to do as a career, where I wanted to go, or who I wanted to become. I decided to enrol onto the BSc (Hons) Psychology course because Psychology was the subject that I was most interested in at A-level. I didn't want to study something I'd never studied before and thought that you can't go half wrong with studying how people think, feel and behave.

It didn't take me long to find my feet when starting at Cardiff Met. I decided it was time to take ownership of my experiences and opportunities. Over my 3 years at the university, I became a proactive member of the Psychology society and president of the LGBT+ society. I even went on a cultural exchange to Athens as part of my course. 

 Whilst at university, I got a job as a Student Ambassador and Student Blogger at Cardiff Met. Through these jobs, I realised my love of marketing, digital media and communications. However, I was so unsure how to get from my degree into a job in the field. As much as I was interested in psychology and loved studying it, I was unsure what I was going to do afterwards. I spent a lot of my university journey trying to find a way to link my love of psychology to digital media. 

However, with the support of fantastic lecturers and opportunities to upskill, I felt increasingly confident that I was able to get a job in a field I love.

Tell us about your experience since leaving Cardiff Met

I graduated in 2020, but still haven't had the opportunity to walk across the stage in cap and gown due to the pandemic. As much as this is disappointing, I became increasingly resilient during university and understand that this is for the best in the current circumstance. Despite a difficult final year, I graduated with a first class honours - I'm still so proud of myself!

I have been fortunate enough to land myself a position doing a job that I love with like-minded people. I am able to mix my love of psychology, working with young people and creating digital content and call it work!

Where are you at the moment?

After completing my degree during the pandemic in 2020, I continued to volunteer virtually with an organisation that I did a work experience placement with for my course. I'm happy to say that I have just been offered a job within the third sector organisation!

 I'm happily working remotely within their Multimedia and Communication department to engage young people in Cardiff through digital content - social media, trainings, events etc.

If you could offer a piece of advice, a tip or simply some words of encouragement to fellow members of the Cardiff Met Community, what would it be?

The biggest piece of advice I could give you is to get involved with as much as you can whilst at university. There are so many opportunities available to you throughout your university experience. 

Whether you'd like to learn to knit, become an Excel expert, or run a society - there's something for everyone at Cardiff Met. Grab those opportunities by both hands and don't let go.

Georgia Higham
BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science
Class of 2019

Tell us about your time at Cardiff Met

My three years at Cardiff Met was the experience I had only hoped for. I was very nervous about attending university when I left school as coming from a small town in Cornwall but after a few weeks I was sure I had made the right decision to study at Cardiff Met. 

I choose to study Sport and Exercise Science as this was something I was passionate about during school and I was interested in the science behind sports performance. I knew career prospects were also good by studying the course too, it could open many different doors. 

My lasting memories from Cardiff Met are the friends I have made and the good times that I had with Cardiff Met Hockey club.

Tell us about your experience since leaving Cardiff Met

Since leaving Cardiff Met I became a sports graduate assistant at Marlborough College, Wiltshire. I could not have achieved this job without the support of lecturers, coaches, and past students. 

 During this period I knew I did not want to pursue a career in teaching but wanted to use the skills and knowledge I had learnt at university to share with others. I knew I hoped to work within healthcare and that was my aim even during my first degree which inspired me to work hard and do something to help others. 

Following work experience and support from Cardiff Met I applied to studying Adult Nursing Cardiff University as I knew what a great city Cardiff is to study in. So since September 2020 I have been studying and enjoying every second but I would not be able to have got this far without the support and confidence I gained from Cardiff Met and I continue to support Cardiff Met by coaching one of the women’s hockey BUCS teams.

Where are you at the moment?

I am currently reading for a new degree - BN (Hons) Adult Nursing at Cardiff University as a full time student.

If you could offer a piece of advice, a tip or simply some words of encouragement to fellow members of the Cardiff Met Community, what would it be?

Take every opportunity that is available to you and work hard at whatever you do as the possibilities are endless. Make the most of every day being a student at Cardiff Met because you will for sure miss it a lot!

Sasha Noah
BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science
Class of 2021

Where are you at the moment?

I've just graduated with a first class degree in BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science this year, and this coming September I will be starting my Master of Research in Biomedical Science at Cardiff Met.

Beyond Masters I plan to study at PhD level and so am currently familiarising myself with research opportunities in the neurology field and considering what occupational roles I can go for now that I have my undergraduate degree and soon to get my postgraduate degree in the next year.

Tell us about your time at Cardiff Met

Truth be told, Cardiff Met was not the institution I thought I would end up studying in. To this day, however, I could not be more grateful to study at an incredibly supportive, diverse and welcoming institution. By the end of 3yrs I have developed much more confidence and self-belief in myself and my personal/professional qualities that have been uplifted enormously.

Friends that I have made for life, lecturers who inspire me everyday and a careers department that is second to none have made my university experience thus far, pretty extraordinary. I have always been interested in how multifaceted and ever-changing science is, so for me there was really no doubt in choosing my undergraduate discipline!

It was not until my 3rd year when I realised how much I enjoyed research and being able to not just critically evaluate research but also perform my own research. Biomedical Science is a challenging degree which really does require you to become more sophisticated and organised with the ways in which you approach study. However, it is incredible how much your skills transform over 3yrs and, interestingly enough even studying remotely due to COVID-19 certainly made me a better student!

University allowed me to gain the confidence to interact with many different people and, being a student representative over 3yrs and getting to collaborate with Cardiff Met SU further allowed me to see what a caring community Met has.

Even being under COVID-19 for 1.5/3yrs, Met still cared and delivered exceptionally even whilst being socially distanced (however I would like to think that now I am quite the expert at Microsoft Teams!). I will never forget that I was able to achieve my degree, during a global pandemic. That, all in thanks to incredible friends and family who supported me along the way.

Tell us about your experience since leaving Cardiff Met

Once I completed my Yr3 exams I was accepted to undertake an 8-week MRes Summer Scholarship Programme at Cardiff Met. Working in the microbiology sector, I was able to undertake a research project in the laboratory of which I'm currently consolidating and putting together my results. This was an incredible experience especially given that my 3rd year research project was not laboratory-based, and I was able to learn so much during this time which will be highly beneficial for me during MRes.

Despite the fact that the discipline I undertook for this studentship is not what I see myself focusing on during MRes, the amount of transferable skills I have developed and unanimous respect I now have for general laboratories and the associated work has only strengthened my passion for research. Additionally, it has made me realise the many opportunities that exist for biomedical science students and the variety of avenues that are available are practically endless!

If you could offer a piece of advice, a tip or simply some words of encouragement to fellow members of the Cardiff Met Community, what would it be?

Even in difficult times, never stop believing in yourself and your abilities. When you have the tools and the determination to thrive, anything difficult is always possible. Be persistent with your lecturers if you ever need help. Their goal, is to help you succeed so if you are stuck, do not be afraid to let them know! When you start a new year, be as organised as possible. Make a personal timetable, set personal goals for yourself and create a daily routine for yourself so you achieve as much as you can per day. Work hard, but enjoy university too!

Chloe Addicott
Education Studies with English Language Teaching
Class of 2021

Where are you at the moment?

Since completing my degree I spent weeks going for jobs and interviews within the primary sector with a focus on SEN children as I want to work up to becoming a SENCO within a primary school. I was offered 2 jobs in different local primary schools, which allowed me to choose what best suited me and my needs for progression within the job. I am working in a primary school as a SEN 1:1 TA in a local village school, with a year 6 boy who has ADHD.

Tell us about your time at Cardiff Met

I was so nervous when starting university especially since I was the first in my family to go, so I had no idea what to expect or how to cope with the change. At one point I even debated dropping out to go home, however it was such a friendly campus that once I started meeting people I felt like I belonged at Cardiff Met.

I chose my course due to the opportunities it gave me to actually practice teaching as well as the overall knowledge it would give me within all of the education sectors, as when I applied I was unsure of the career route I wanted to go.

The education studies course allowed me to learn about many different options to find what would suit me. I’ll never forget the CELTA programme and how close and supportive my tutor and group were with one another throughout the three years, even when we had to do our session online the bond was still apparent.

I loved living on campus in first year and meeting people from all different blocks and spending time with so many different people. I also enjoyed watching the different sports matches and the social life it allowed after the games

Tell us about your experience since leaving Cardiff Met

Since leaving uni I have done some online courses which relate to my interests within the education sector.

I had many interviews all based around SEN TA work and got declined from many due to my lack experience, however I eventually got offered two different positions which allowed me to chose what was my preference and allowed me the most CPD.

The school I’ll be working in are happy to put me through many training programmes to enhance my CV and allow me to work my way up throughout the sector.

If you could offer a piece of advice, a tip or simply some words of encouragement to fellow members of the Cardiff Met Community, what would it be?

No matter how hard it seems or how overwhelmed you feel there is always someone to talk to and to help you get the most out of your time within Cardiff Met.