Chloe Conway

Why did you choose City St George's?

My decision to study at City St George's stemmed from a blend of factors that resonated deeply with my academic and personal aspirations. Foremost among these was my desire to immerse myself in the vibrant heart of London—a city renowned for its diversity, rich culture, and abundant career opportunities.

City St George's stood out as one of the few institutions offering the unique opportunity to pursue a combined degree in mathematics and data science, aligning perfectly with my interests and career ambitions.

Moreover, what truly sealed the deal was City St George's remarkably efficient and seamless clearing process, coupled with unwavering support every step of the way in this process. This reassured me that I was making the right choice for my educational journey, ensuring a smooth transition into university life.

What subjects did you study before applying for study at university?

Before applying to study at university, I studied Maths, Physics, and Spanish at A-Levels. Whilst Spanish may seem like the odd one out in my combination of subjects, I realised there were many skills that overlapped.

For example, participating in numerous programming workshops prior to university, made me realise that the techniques I used to create algorithms mimicked and embodied the application skills I gained through A-Level Spanish.

Likewise, I thoroughly enjoyed studying Spanish and languages in general and therefore, I was not ready to let that go. Thankfully at City St George's, there is an opportunity to continue your language studies casually or pick a whole new language alongside your degree each year. This has been something I have loved as it has been a satisfying break from my STEM degree.

What knowledge and skills has your course helped you develop?

My course has helped me develop a wide range of valuable skills essential for both mathematics and data science. Firstly, I've honed my analytical and problem-solving abilities, learning to approach complex problems with logic and precision.

Additionally, I've gained proficiency in programming languages such as Python and R, along with data manipulation and visualisation techniques.

These skills have equipped me to effectively analyse and interpret large datasets, extracting meaningful insights to inform decision-making. Furthermore, my assignments have enhanced my critical thinking and attention to detail, crucial for identifying patterns and trends within data.

Overall, my Mathematics and Data Science degree has provided me with a varied skill set that is highly sought after in today's data-driven world.

What opportunities and experiences has The School of Science & Technology offered you so far?

Meet and greets arranged by the School have provided us with ample opportunity to interact with previous alumni, professors and also other students who have had experience in the professional world. Their advice and anecdotes were immeasurable as they truly helped when I began applying for placements and internships myself.

Additionally, end of term tutor meetings helped me plan for exam season ahead and de-stress thanks to the help of the academics.

Another opportunity was provided through an insight day at Expedia HQ. Being surrounded by reputable professionals gave me an idea of what is required of me as I grow into the career I choose, and the talks hosted were full of advice regarding skills that would help to hone my CV.

What opportunities and experiences has the rest of City St George's offered you so far?

City St George's has an abundance of societies, of which I am a member of many including Kwave and Filipino society. From academic to social societies, there is something for everyone and they are great places to make new friends and socialise.

Additionally, the ample opportunities provided to work flexibly as a student on campus are great in helping earn extra money around my studies. Also, City St George's Students’ Union hosts a free movie night which popcorn is also provided. This was something I thoroughly enjoyed in first year where I could watch some of my favourite movies and relax after a long day of studying.

What services within The School of Science & Technology such as The Corporate Relations and Employability Unit (CREU) have you used during your studies?

During my time at the School of Science & Technology, I've found the Corporate Relations and Employability Unit (CREU) to be an invaluable resource. Specifically, I've utilised the services offered by the Employability Unit, which has been a game-changer for me.

One of the most beneficial aspects has been the free one-on-one sessions they provide. These sessions are tailored to improving your CV, whether it's reviewing and refining an existing one or starting from scratch. I remember taking advantage of this service at the beginning of my second year, and it made a significant difference in presenting myself effectively on paper.

I particularly appreciate the weekly bulletin released by the module leader, highlighting potential internships and placements and it has saved me valuable time and effort in the internship search process.

What are your career plans and how has City St George's prepared you for them?

My career plans revolve around delving into the tech industry, and I must say, City St George's has played a significant role in preparing me for this path. The university has been beneficial in keeping me up to date with the latest developments in the tech world through a variety of talks and events.

For instance, last year I had the opportunity to attend a data science networking session and panel talk hosted by City St George's. It was an incredible experience to socialise with peers and listen to esteemed employers in the field share their insights into the future of AI.

These events not only provided valuable knowledge but also allowed me to network and gain a deeper understanding of the industry landscape.