Sophie Tucker

"I chose to study at Plymouth as I have lived here my whole life and love the city. However, the main factor for me was the course on offer. Plymouth had the option for me to major in geography and minor in international relations which really appealed to me - I liked the idea that my degree could combine studying two of my favourite subjects."

"Completing the research for my dissertation was really insightful. My research looked at gender pay gaps, with west Devon as a case study where the typical gendered pay gap was reversed. I got to interview a number of inspiring women in the area about their roles and the work they do, and it was great to get such an in-depth understanding of the locality and people’s experiences."

"I was given a mentor in my final year who helped me to prepare for my future career, such as with helping me to write my CV and navigate the working world that I was about to embark in, which I found extremely useful."

"Employability sessions and modules that built on key career skills, as well as other general skills I learnt at Plymouth helped prepare me for my current job role. From simple things such as how to write a CV and be interviewed to specific writing and research skills – it helped me build in confidence and I wouldn’t be where I am now without this experience."

"It’s hard to pick just one memory, as I loved my entire time studying at Plymouth. I really enjoyed completing the Plymouth Award - it was nice to be able to experience activities in other areas such as volunteering and wellbeing and provided me with skills in areas I hadn’t previously considered."

"Studying at Plymouth completely shaped my career plans. It opened so many doors and enabled me to be employed in my dream job just one week after graduating! It was from an employability talk that I attended in my final year that I was able to get in touch with Plymouth City Council and secured work experience with one of the speakers, which ultimately led to full time employment. Workshops and lectures helped me to realise what I wanted to do in the future as up until then I had no idea."

"During my final year of university, I spent the summer completing voluntary work experience in Plymouth City Council's Policy and Intelligence Team. After graduating, I was offered a job as a Senior Support and Research Assistant within the Council's Brexit Office. The role has predominantly focused on looking at the risks and opportunities of Brexit, for Plymouth. I've also had the opportunity to work on other interesting projects, including Unify Plymouth - a project that aims to improve community cohesion rates across the city of Plymouth."

"This year I worked as part of the bid development team bidding for Plymouth to become a Freeport. One of the most exciting parts was hearing the Chancellor announce at the budget that Plymouth was one of the eight successful English Freeports to be chosen. It was great to have the opportunity to be part of a team to engage with government and bring about real change."