• Question: Did you have to go university to get to where you are today?

    Asked by ishna_p to Tonia, Sam, Emily, Ejay, Edgars, Charnett on 7 Jun 2019.
    • Photo: Edgars Kelmers

      Edgars Kelmers answered on 7 Jun 2019:

      Yes.
      –
      The best thing about university was that I could get money just for studying very well and I could travel to many different countries. First of all, it was fun, secondly I visited a company, which is 3D printing human implants and I realized that one day I would like to work in such company.

    • Photo: Tonia Tzemanaki

      Tonia Tzemanaki answered on 8 Jun 2019:

      Yes. I have completed a 5- year degree (MEng) followed by a 1- year degree (MSc) and finally a doctoral degree (PhD) which lasted about 4 years. These enabled me to get the basic knowledge that I needed but also develop a lot of skills and have an inquisitive mind. This helps me be a good researcher. I have also made friends (and colleagues) for life!

    • Photo: Emily McNee

      Emily McNee answered on 8 Jun 2019:

      No if I would have taken an apprenticeship I would be able to get where I am today. It would have probably been a completely different journey but ultimately leading to to the same destination.

    • Photo: Ejay Nsugbe

      Ejay Nsugbe answered on 8 Jun 2019:

      Generally to work as a researcher, you do need a degree at the very least. For people who go on to work as independent researchers and carry out ‘high-level’ research, in my experience-you need either a Doctoral degree or some Post-Graduate degree with notable and relevant work experience to top it up.
      Also in my opinion, I feel in today’s competitive landscape it’s very much advisable to have a degree as this can also help you navigate your way through the world in various capacities.

    • Photo: Charnett Chau

      Charnett Chau answered on 9 Jun 2019:

      Yes.

      I did a MEng course (Masters in Engineering) in London – it was a 4 year course, BUT I took one year out to work in a drug manufacturing company and did a year at a different university in a different country – Toronto!
      I’m finishing off my 4 years of PhD in engineering too.

    • Photo: Sam Gaughan

      Sam Gaughan answered on 10 Jun 2019:

      Yes, I needed a degree to do a PhD so that I could build on the knowledge I gained from school before doing my own research. Without my degree I wouldn’t understand anything that I am doing! I also met a lot of great people and learned other useful skills like making academic style posters, and giving presentations.

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