This PhD appealed to me because it is within my field of expertise (plant sciences and agriculture) and is forward-looking to address a problem that has not yet materialised i.e. is climate change going to drive the evolution of more/ less aggressive plant pathogens? It is a topic which has the real opportunity to improve global food security, which is something I care passionately about.

Since graduating in 2014, I worked at Sainsbury's Supermarkets Ltd for four years, and completed a part-time MSc in Agrifood at the University of Nottingham (Distinction) whilst working. I started my PhD in Oct 2018.

I joined Sainsbury's on an agricultural graduate programme, and spent the first two years completing three placements with growers who supply Sainsbury's (incl. salads and mushrooms). Following this, I managed salads, working closely with eight international growers and responsible for the quality, safety and sustainability of all salads sold at Sainsbury's. I also project-managed a number of different workstreams within the agriculture team.

My PhD programme is four years. I will then have an MBiolSci, MSc and PhD (not forgetting my DofE) so further qualifications are unlikely!
Following completion, I'd like to work in policy, within the fields of agriculture or food security, for either the UK Government civil service, or a think tank.

I was not aware of the opportunities to work within plant sciences in the fresh produce sector in the UK. I would advise students to think broadly about their interests and do lots of research as to the types of jobs available.