Name: Amelia
Subjects studied: Biology, Chemistry, Geography, AS Environmental Science
Former school: The Roseland Academy
What’s next: Currently studying BSc Biomedical Science at Newcastle University
Amelia studied A Levels in Biology, Chemistry, and Geography and AS Level Environmental Science at Truro College and is now studying BSc Biomedical Science at Newcastle University where she’s completed an incredible work experience opportunity with global biopharmaceutical company AstraZeneca.
Amelia commented: “Aside from the fact that all my friends went, Truro College is a well-established and high achieving college which I believed provided the academic and extra-curricular support I would need to be able to continue to higher education and develop me as a person.
“I really enjoyed the subjects I took at College and genuinely enjoyed the lessons. All the topics covered felt relevant and updated.
It was nice to just be able to focus on a select few subjects which interested me and be able to go into those with greater depth. College also provided the opportunity to mix with and meet new people.”
Amelia praises the support she received from her lecturers during her time at College and credits their advice and guidance for being instrumental to choosing her next steps: “The lecturers at Truro College provided a brilliant support network and were happy to help with anything from lecture content to life advice – nothing was ever too much of an ask.
“I pretty much decided on my degree and university based on the advice I gained from my lecturers.”
Following her studies at College, Amelia has progressed to the BSc Biomedical Science at Newcastle University and is now in her final year.
Amelia’s university journey has also included an exciting work placement year. Amelia said: “Between my second and third year of university I undertook an industrial placement year at AstraZeneca based in Gothenburg, Sweden, where I was part of the cell engineering team working mainly with CRISPR/Cas9 technologies.
“Following that I have also completed a Biology Training Experience week with GSK (GlaxoSmithKline).”
Amelia’s advice to prospective students is: “Don’t worry if you don’t know what you want to do – just keep your options open and follow what interests you.
“My main tip would be to reach out for opportunities at any point you can – whether that be work experience, careers advice or shadowing. The worst that can happen is that someone won’t reply and will say no, but you could get some really key experience from it which may help rule in or out different careers.”
