"the main benefit UCC has conferred has been an ability to think independently, solve problems and learn (I’ve applied this to many new areas over the years)"

“I don’t think I’d be working at Riot Games today if it wasn’t for UCC. In addition to giving me the skills I need every day to do my job, UCC introduced me to the tabletop gaming hobby which I believe is one of the reasons I was hired at Riot Games.”

"UCC instilled in me a sense of confidence and independence which has helped me throughout my PhD and my current role."

[My best memory in UCC] "Small group of 20 or physics students who were all quite like-minded people and all got on really well"

"To a lot of employers out there, a physics degree seems to be seen as a problem-solving degree and almost every industry needs a problem-solver every now and then."

"One of my favourite memories was an organised trip to CERN. It was great fun and helped everyone get to know each other better. It led to a small tight knit class with great camaraderie throughout the rest of the course"

"UCC gave me a great foundation in teaching physics that I have continued to develop through my career."

 I had the opportunity to learn how to become a hands on scientist, trained to think outside the box and grasp complex concepts and ideas both quickly and easily. In a way, my degree at UCC retrained my thinking processes. I also learned never to be intimidated of things I don't at first understand, because I know that after a little effort I will understand. This has applied to every aspect of my life outside of work, such as learning new languages and cultures when I have moved to different countries for work and travel. 

"UCC had a large role in getting me where I am right now. My Physics degree provided a great background in critical thinking and problem solving, which I use daily in my current role."

[What appeals to you most about your current role?] "Relevance to real world, faster pace, applied role. Lots of data to play with."

"I would never have assumed doing a Physics degree could provide these opportunities and UCC gave me the ability to create a pathway through life that has been varied and unexpected."