Ben Jones
What did you enjoy most about your degree programme?
I loved the great variety of modules on offer in the Mathematics degree at Exeter, whether it was pure or applied. I studied topics ranging from linear algebra and complex analysis to mathematical biology and weather & climate. The opportunity to take modules from other disciplines outside CEMPS was also very appealing, allowing me to make new friends and to discover new ways of learning.
Some of the students we are profiling have been awarded a departmental prize or award in recognition of their exceptional achievements. If this applies to you, please can you tell us about this and what it means to you?
I was delighted to receive a Dean’s Commendation and the AT Price Prize in Mathematical Sciences for being the Mathematics finalist with the best overall performance. It was a real honour to receive the award, especially knowing how many strong mathematicians there are at Exeter. I have huge gratitude for the help and support that my peers and lecturers provided throughout my studies.
Please tell us if you were a member of any societies, groups or sports clubs?
During my time at Exeter, I was part of MathSoc, the Cycling Club and the Triathlon Club. Societies and sports clubs enabled me to make new friends and provided excellent opportunities to try out new activities.
What was the highlight of your time at Exeter?
Taking part in the BUCS Sprint Triathlon at the end of my third year. I’d only joined the Club at the start of the year and struggled to front crawl even one length of the pool at St Luke’s! Thanks to the support and friendliness of everyone at the club, I was able to complete the 750m lake swim, 20km bike ride and 5km run.
What will you miss the most about University?
The community of people who make Exeter a fantastic university, the stunning campus and living in the city of Exeter and the beautiful South West.
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?)
The diverse range of modules on offer give you a huge opportunity to shape your degree. I would advise anyone to spend time considering what topics and methods of assessment they prefer most and ask students in the year above for advice. Actively seek out your lecturers and tutors if you require help and don’t wait until the exam period if you don’t understand something. I’ve found that a five-minute one-to-one discussion with a tutor can sometimes be just as valuable as a 50-minute lecture.
What are your plans now that you have graduated?
I’m going to enjoy the long summer holiday ahead before starting work with Centrica plc in October. I completed a summer placement with them in between my second and third years and was delighted when they offered me a place on their Graduate Analyst programme.
