After a ten-week summer internship as an energy consultant, Brad secured a full-time position at the same company, becoming Oil & Gas Corrosion Ltd’s first full-time graduate employee.
 
Brad chose to study MEng Chemical Engineering because it combined the three subjects he was most interested in, maths, chemistry, and business. An integrated master's degree is a four-year programme that combines undergraduate and postgraduate study into a single course. 
 
'I loved the thought of being able to apply my knowledge to solve real-world problems, improve processes to become more efficient and reduce carbon footprint as we move towards net zero.'
 
'Working to a masters level meant I was able to expand my knowledge and progress my learning. Completing the integrated master's meant I could also undertake a dissertation, focussing on an area I was particularly interested in. The course is designed in a way that allows us to get an idea of the practical use of chemical engineering with organised lab sessions.'
 
'I chose Sheffield Hallam because it felt very warm during an open day visit. The course was small as it was new, so I didn't feel like I was just a number. During my time at Hallam, I had a close relationship with most lecturers and knew I could rely on them to help me.'
 
Brad found his summer internship with Oil and Gas Corrosion Ltd on the university’s careers website, which he believes he wouldn’t have found without Sheffield Hallam’s links to the industry.
 
'The careers services are helpful and easy to access. There are several sessions they run, one to one appointments, and spotlight events that I found extremely useful and informative.’
 
'After graduating, I became the company's first-ever full-time graduate, which I'm incredibly proud of. Working around my studies means I have almost two years of experience, despite being a recent graduate, without taking any time out of university.'
 
Brad has continued to develop his relationship with the chemical engineering staff at Sheffield Hallam by becoming a technical advisor. He is supporting a MEng project that's building collaboration between Sheffield Hallam and his employer, giving second-year students real-world problems to solve in one of their practical modules.
 
'I would recommend STEM to younger students. The skills you learn are transferable and boost your career prospect. My advice to students would be to look out for real-world experience within the industry. There is no right or wrong way to get to where you want to be, and there is no substitute for hard work!'