Gina was the first black woman to attain a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Chemical and Nuclear Engineering from the University of Leeds. Currently, she works as a graduate trainee at one of the UK’s largest packaging, paper, and recycling companies (making the Amazon boxes delivered right to your doorstep). When Gina is not busy with work, she indulges her other passion, which is creating and producing original songs under the stage name ‘ginius'. In this blog, you can find out how Gina secured her graduate role and why she continues to mentor STEM students.
As an 18-year-old, going to university was one of the things I looked forward to the most. Five years later, upon graduating, I can definitely say it was one of the best decisions I made. University made me grow socially and academically, as well as helping me gain experience in the corporate world.
As the first black woman to attain a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Chemical and Nuclear Engineering from the University of Leeds, my experience studying a STEM subject was no easy journey, but it was a valuable experience I will never forget.
Engineering is a challenging subject and I remember having to be extra focused and determined in third year, as it was the first time I completed a project by myself. In my fourth year, I completed a 13-month placement at one of the world’s largest FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods) companies, Procter and Gamble (P&G), which shaped me a lot.
My final year at Leeds wasn’t quite what I would have imagined. Due to the pandemic no one was allowed on campus for the last term, I was also unable to return to campus for my graduation. Nonetheless, the memories and knowledge that Leeds gave me opened my mindset, matured me as an individual and certainly changed my perspective on education.
A career in STEM is no easy task, however, it is a fruitful career if one has the passion and motivation to see it through. Engineers are creative problem solvers, and the industry could do with more females in influential roles. One of my role models, Katherine Johnson, says ‘like what you do and then you will do it best.’ which is absolutely fundamental in any career path.
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