Graduate Case Studies - David Peggie - Assistant Organic Analyst
David Peggie
David is an assistant organic analyst within the scientific department of the National Gallery. His first degree was an MChem, with a year in industry at Edinburgh University. He graduated in 2002 and undertook a chemistry PhD at Edinburgh. Its title was 'development and application of analytical methods for the identification of dyes in historical textiles', completed in 2006.
"I decided to continue my studies because I'd enjoyed studying chemistry and I'd done a year in industry working for AstraZeneca. When I came back for my final year, although I had enjoyed working, I wanted to do further study. I wanted to find a project that really interested me and spend three years doing that.
"The project was paid for through European funding. It was part of a larger project,
for which the University of Edinburgh had some money.
"I didn't personally have to apply for any money - the funding had been found before I arrived. The university then wanted a PhD student to fill the role.
"The workload was OK - the nature of project meant it was multidisciplinary with lots of partners. Because it was an EU-executed project there were various deadlines. It was quite unlike other PhDs; it was more structured than those of other people that I know.
"The deadlines were independent of how the work was going, which meant I had to present work when I was told. Overall, I would say the workload was manageable.
"Between finishing my first degree and my PhD, I took a part-time job. I didn't have to move, so there was no great upheaval.
"The biggest difference between undergraduate and postgraduate study is the freedom to take ideas and work through them without always knowing what would happen. At undergraduate level it can feel like there is always a correct answer.
"My advice to those considering taking a postgraduate course would be although
the name is the same, not all PhDs are the same. It is worth chatting to your prospective supervisor to find out how the group works and what the project is about. Once you've found a project then go for it!"
Add to
Send to a friend
Post a comment
Comments
No comments....
Graduate Employers
| nucleargraduates | The UK’s nuclear industry is facing its biggest challenge in... | more |
| Shell Step | Shell Step is a UK-wide programme offering undergraduates project ... | more |
| Geoservices | Geoservices is one of the most respected names in the petroleum in... | more |
| QinetiQ | QinetiQ is a leading international defence and security technology... | more |
| STFC | Start your career by taking a voyage of discovery into mind-blowin... | more |
| Johnson Matthey PLC | Johnson Matthey is a speciality chemicals company focused on its c... | more |
| DESG | One of Britain's TOP graduate development schemes for engineers an... | more |
| Schlumberger | Schlumberger is the leading oilfield service provider, trusted to ... | more |
Latest Graduate Jobs
| Title | Organisation | Apply by |
|---|---|---|
| Waste Management and Environmental Science | Magnox | 31 Jan 2012 |
| Just graduated? Looking for the best way into banking and fi... | Quartic Training | 31 Jan 2010 |
Graduate Case Studies
|
Michael Chappell - Senior Research Associate -I devise ways to assess how healthy a patient's brain is using images taken in an MRI scanner. ... more |
|
Mark Smith - Relief Pharmacist - LloydspharmacyI have all kinds of in-store tasks from customer facing services such as dispensing prescriptions and answering customer queries, as well as more managerial roles like participating in stock and finance management. ... more |
|
Silvia Colucci - PhD Life Sciences - ImperialI decided to study a postgraduate degree because I felt it was an essential step in order to pursue a career in scientific research. ... more |
|
Craig Strong - Healthcare Assistant - Priory HospitalWhat helps is trying to be impartial and not getting too involved. It can be quite an upsetting job if your patient is distressed, and you do not distance yourself. It is very hard to try to motivate someone with depression, so you need to be patient, kind and have an ability to connect with people easily. ... more |
Graduate Advice
|
Your guide to who has jobs, who wants interns and who needs trainees.... more |
|
Think Before You Click - The Negative Side of Facebook The next time you’re about to upload pictures of your birthday party/night... more |
|
Nailing That Position- Top Tips for Getting Picked For Graduate Training Schemes If you’re currently stressing over applying for and going for interview... more |
|
Finding the perfect job can be a case of trial and error. But what do recruiters... more |
Comments