(Mathematics BSc, 2020)
One thing that motivates me is to remind myself that I am only at the beginning of my career and I still have so much more to learn and that naturally, I will make a lot of mistakes along the way - but, mistakes mean growth!
Why did you choose to study BSc Mathematics at Queen Mary? Did you have a particular career path in mind?
Mathematics had always been something that I enjoyed studying throughout my time at school and my teachers were always really supportive (our school also specialised in Maths and Music!). I took part in the UK Mathematics Trust’s Maths Challenges and was also part of my school’s after school Maths Club, so I think you can tell what my favourite subject was! I wouldn’t say I had a particular career path in mind – I chose to study it because I’ve always enjoyed Mathematics however, I was mindful that I would eventually want to go into something Mathematics related once I graduated.
Which modules did you most enjoy and did any academics have a strong influence on shaping your time and studies here?
The modules I enjoyed most were Metric Spaces & Topology and Introduction to Differential Geometry! Many academics had a huge influence on my time here – I really can’t pick one!
What I enjoy most is that since the Data team within FTLive is relatively new and small, it is constantly growing and changing and I get to be a part of this growth.
Do any special memories stand out from your student days?
The overnight library sessions are something that I oddly miss (as well as the BBQ loaded fries from Drapers)!
Tell us about your current role as Campaign Data Assistant at the Financial Times. How did you secure this job after graduating and what do you enjoy most about this job?
I secured this role through the Kickstart Scheme. After graduating in the summer of 2020 and whilst actively seeking employment, I was put forward for a Campaign Data Assistant Internship at FTLive (which is part of The Financial Times) by my job centre coach. After 6 months I secured a full-time role as a Campaign Data Assistant and as of now I have been at the company for a year.
What I enjoy most is that since the Data team within FTLive is relatively new and small, it is constantly growing and changing and I get to be a part of this growth. It’s also a role that allows me to interact with a variety of other departments within FTLive, from Marketing to Design.
How is your degree relevant to this job?
Data is very related to Mathematics so there are various areas of my degree that I utilise in my role. From numbers to data analysis to data visualisation and so on. Like many other roles in the company, I also utilise Microsoft Excel a lot so the Computing and Data Analysis with Excel module during my first year definitely comes in handy!
April is Mathematics and Statistics Awareness Month, and its goal is to increase public understanding of and appreciation for mathematics and statistics. What are some of the careers that a degree in mathematics can open?
I truly believe that Mathematics can open doors to many different careers! From Data to Software Engineering, Finance to Actuary, Accounting to Education, etc. There’s a vast array of careers that a Maths degree can lead to. What I also find important is the soft skills you gain from your degree and past work experiences (although it doesn’t hurt to enhance your hard-skill set with some coding/Excel courses on the side - if relevant!).
What are your career plans for the future?
I plan to delve more into Data. I am soon going to be taking classes in Python for Data in the hope to apply it within my role and also to broaden my skills and knowledge of Data overall.
Despite some progress, a gender gap persists at all levels of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. Why would you encourage more women in particular to study mathematics?
There is definitely a gender gap and I think it is extremely important to push women to study not just Mathematics but any of the STEM subjects. Speaking from my own experience, I think there is a stigma within some families that STEM subjects (and especially Mathematics) are not “employable” subjects for women to study. I hope anyone who is studying a STEM subject right now (or thinking to) understands how false this is and is not discouraged. The STEM industry is constantly growing and evolving and there is space for EVERYONE to study and work in STEM.
What advice would you give to prospective students and alumni wanting to enter into the same industry as you?
Just like most roles, the industry is competitive but there is something for everyone. Firstly, I would advise you not to be discouraged if you can't find employment as soon as you graduate as the right job will eventually come when the timing is right. It is also good to apply to lots of different roles initially to get more of an idea of what interests you in your career. Secondly, make good use of the career services at Queen Mary and start learning coding languages (Python, SQL etc.) for Data when you can as they are very desirable!
Outside of work, what do you do in your spare time? Is there anything people find surprising or admiring about you?
I’m a big foodie so I’ve recently started a small “foodstagram” (most of my friends don’t know about my secret page haha!). Other than that, I like the usual things – catching up with friends over dinner, going to concerts and trying out new restaurants.
Finally, what motivates you in life?
As cliché as this may sound, having a proper break in between work is what motivates me. I love the role I am in, but I discovered I tend to overwork and burnout, especially when working from home most of the time. A 'proper break' could mean a weekend without checking work emails, or a small getaway out of the city for a few days.
Another thing that motivates me is to remind myself that I am only at the beginning of my career and I still have so much more to learn and that naturally, I will make a lot of mistakes along the way - but, mistakes mean growth!
If you would like to get in touch with Sema or engage them in your work, please contact the Alumni Engagement team at alumni@qmul.ac.uk.