Alessia Paschodimas

What did you enjoy most about your degree programme?

I chose Exeter and CSM because I wanted to learn about the application of geology to the mining industry. The course turned out to be exactly what I hoped it would be and I was delighted to also learn about the focus on dealing with community communication and preservation, ESG factors and understanding economic trends crucial to the industry. I have also enjoyed the field trip run and the relationships with both peer students and staff members during our first time as proper exploration geologists in Norway.

Please tell us if you were a member of any societies, groups or sports clubs?

CSMSA, WIM, Hip Hop society.

What was the highlight of your time at Exeter?

 The highlight of my time studying Exploration has been testing my abilities and finally overcoming one of the toughest periods of my life. Learning to deal with multiple deadlines, both personal and academic, showed me my capabilities and also my limits. This was also followed by one of the best experiences of my life, spending a month in Norway surrounded by bright geologists and coming back to a sunny summer in Cornwall.

What will you miss the most about University?

I will definitely miss the people I have met at CSM and the academic discussion with staff and students during field trips and events.

What advice would you give to current and future students? (If you are an international student what would you like to tell future students from back home who might be thinking about applying to study in Exeter?)

 It is a very tough course, but this time will pass very quickly and the skills learned will last forever. Do not worry about grades or comparing yourself to other people, but compete with yourself and improve as a person. Also, don’t forget to have a social life and enjoy the time off. No one will bring this time back for you and the relationships you create here will come back to you in the future.

What are your plans now that you have graduated?

I am going to start working as an exploration geologist around the world. I want to travel and experience as many different cultures as possible and improve the mining industry standards with a focus on the sensitive environmental and social aspects.