Samuel Downes

BSc Biological Sciences

1. What has been the highlight of your time at Exeter?

The highlight of my time at Exeter would have to be my work in the labs throughout my three years. It offered firstly a fantastic learning experience, with top quality equipment and interesting practicals, but also a great opportunity to mingle and work with other people from a wide variety of backgrounds. Many of my close friends at university were made through our time in the lab.

2. What will you miss the most about University?

There’s nowhere quite like it! You are constantly surrounded by people your age and all the events and opportunities that come with university life. I’ll miss it all, it’s the whole package that makes it so special!

3. What did you enjoy about your particular programme?

Being given the opportunity to undertake my own research project for my dissertation and experience what it’s like to carry out bare-bones science, allowed me to develop a really important and useful understanding of the scientific process, which is invaluable to me moving forwards in my career.

4. What advice would you give to current and future students?

Choose modules you are passionate about or you feel are important, not what is easiest. My highest grades always came through modules that I found meaningful and could convey a sort of passion about when it came to exams. It really comes through organically if you are naturally interested and will inevitably lead to better marks – win/win!

5. What are your plans now that you have graduated?

I’m incredibly humbled to be undertaking a graduate fellowship at CDM London, a healthcare advertising agency based in Southwark, where I’ll be rotating through different departments such as Scientific Affairs, Client Services and Copywriting. This is a fantastic opportunity for me and I owe Exeter a great deal for providing me with the platform that allowed me to pursue my career ambitions.