I returned to academia to boost my earning potential and challenge myself with a new discipline. The University of Southampton provided plenty of support to help me settle into UK life, succeed in my studies and move my career forward.
A master’s degree that opens doors
After gaining my software engineering degree in China I got a job as a software engineer. After about 2 years I started to think about doing a master’s degree to make me more competitive and enable me to pursue a position with a higher salary.
I chose Southampton because both the University and department have high rankings and the MSc Statistics programme covered the topics I was looking for.
Having a degree in statistics as well as software engineering opens many doors, because a lot of industries and roles require a degree in technology or maths, and now I have capabilities in both.
These subjects are always in high demand, so there are a lot of career choices open to me, like data science, consulting and research.
A degree from the University of Southampton is well recognised in the UK. Employers are confident that because I’ve graduated with a master’s from Southampton, I’m a good quality candidate.
A new role in digital forensics
I’m now working for a consultancy, in the field of litigation support. My role is in digital forensics and e-discovery, which includes recovering, preserving and analysing digital evidence from electronic devices, and making sure it’s done in a legally sound manner. The consultancy serves clients in many sectors, including law firms and public sector organisations.
In the longer term, I’d like to go into quantitative finance. It’s an area that requires strong knowledge of statistical modelling and probability theory, and that's me.
Careers support and advice
In each semester we had a statistical seminar series, where the University would invite past graduates or other connections in academia and industry to talk to us about possible careers. This helped me understand more about different opportunities.
A couple of one-to-one sessions with a university careers adviser, and advice by email from the dedicated careers adviser for my master’s programme, answered my questions and pointed me in the right direction in revising my CV.
I also subscribed to the University’s job board and that’s how I came across my current position.
Getting up to speed in a supportive academic environment
Before I started the MSc I was afraid I would not be able to catch up with other students who already had degrees in mathematics or statistics. However, the academics were really supportive and helpful. I asked a lot of questions, and they were always happy to respond.
I had some issues with anxiety when I was working towards my dissertation deadline. The University’s Student Hub staff advised me to inform the student office of my wellbeing difficulties and apply for special consideration if necessary. Reassuringly, I was granted an extension and this made feel supported and cared for while completing the dissertation.
Settling into life and study in the UK
It was my first time living outside China. The University was very supportive and gave me guidance and points of contact to resolve any issues. There is a Meet and Greet team who provide a collection service from Heathrow airport. Volunteer students picked us up and took us to the University, which made things very smooth and easy.
I lived in student accommodation where I made friends with people on other degree courses, who I am still in touch with. My advice to someone thinking about applying to do this degree at Southampton? It’s really good – go for it!