Third-year Physics student Bluebell Drummond prepares for life after Manchester thanks to alumni volunteers on the Global Graduates programme.
Spending seven days in San Francisco through the University’s Global Graduates programme taught me far more than I ever expected. While gaining an understanding in the future of urban farming, quantum computing and graphene applications from my peers, the alumni we met opened our eyes to the progress being made in the technology world. Although all of this was interesting and important, it was rather the set of transferable skills, both personally and professionally, which will be of most value to me as I progress in my studies and then my career.
Meeting with inspiring Manchester alumni allowed me to develop key skills in professionalism, in particular efficiency which encompasses conciseness and time-management. In participating in alumni meetings, we really had to think about the right balance of following a structure of questions within our allocated time, while still allowing the conversation to flow smoothly and develop organically. I believe these skills are key to excelling in the workplace and can support my time management in future.
While I learnt of useful tips for future job interviews and the professional environment, the advice most relevant to me at this stage was to pursue my interests and find their relevance in renewable energy field (the area I’m particularly interested in). Understanding and being able to concisely explain how my own thoughts, passions and hopes are linked, will help inform my decisions at university and beyond. I really felt encouraged to think outside the box with regards to where I could see myself in the future.
I believe the Global Graduates programme is a fantastic way of offering students like me, who receive the Manchester Bursary, an opportunity to travel and meet leading professionals. Without this support, it is unlikely I would have had an experience such as this, and I am thankful to have been chosen.
Not only did I thoroughly enjoy the time I spent in San Francisco, strolling through Haight Ashbury Street and browsing the world’s largest Chinatown, I was able to learn about everything from self-driving cars to medical trials. I developed a set of skills that will remain invaluable through the rest of my studies and professional career.
I will be sure to look back over the notebook I kept during the week in times when I am in need of advice, although I now also have Pam, Amir and Dien (my fellow San Fransisco Global Grads) as well as the alumni we met with, all of which I feel I could turn to if I needed help.
The week most definitely increased my confidence in interactions in professional situations, a skill I would not have had the opportunity to gain elsewhere. I have also forged meaningful connections and maintain regular contact with the other students on the programme, as well with several of the alumni.
I believe the Global Graduates programme is a fantastic way of offering students like me, who receive the Manchester Bursary, an opportunity to travel and meet leading professionals. Without this support, it is unlikely I would have had an experience such as this, and I am thankful to have been chosen.