Lewis Mark Albon Pegrum
Current Employer/Organisation Name
CRU
What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?
Initially when I left Exeter I took some time to enjoy the summer post graduation after an intense but enjoyable final year at uni. I then began to step up the job search, and had my first interview a couple of months later. It quickly became apparent that finding a job was now a “real” process having built up to it hypothetically throughout my time at uni which was a strange concept at first.. In September I was offered an internship at my current company, CRU, in London and then in December I was offered a permanent role. Currently I am enjoying living and working in London with all the city has to offer (a slight change of environment to the beaches of Falmouth).
Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?
I chose my current career path for two reasons, I wanted to work in the mining economics/finance sector and I was keen to work and live in London. I did the best I could to manipulate my time studying mining engineering to focus on the economics and finance parts of the mining sector, and the opportunity I have with my current role is the perfect transition. My job is hugely satisfying for many reasons but the thing I love the most is that I am constantly learning, not just in a first job capacity, but in the sense that I am working on projects across a range of commodities and themes all of which make what I learned at university very real. The working environment is also fantastic and is full of diverse and fascinating people all with a common passion for the mining and metals sector.
What did you enjoy most about studying here?
On reflection the thing I enjoyed most about studying at Exeter was a combination of three things and its hard to isolate one. The were the location – living in Cornwall was brilliant, the people – the friendships I gained and people I met made university a lot of fun, and also the course – I am very grateful for being given the opportunity to place myself in an industry I have developed a real and genuine love for.
Why did you choose to study at Exeter?
I chose Exeter because of the reputation it has as a university and the benefits an Exeter degree comes with. The engineering faculty is strong and although I did not experience many of the facilities on the main campus, if CSM is anything to go by it is certainly a place of real stimulation, inspiration and opportunity.
What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?
Certain core skills have been very useful including data manipulation, presentation and report writing and an awareness and focus on detail. However the most important skill was developing an honest love for the mining industry which has been hugely important in motivation, pursuing opportunities and learning about new areas of the industry.
What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?
I would say find and apply for internships in the city in an associated field (doesn’t have to be directly mining related) and use the course as best as you can to give evidence that this the career that you desire (e.g. use research led coursework, your thesis/dissertation and the modules most associated with mining economics to focus on the sector).
What are your plans for the future?
My plans for the future are to learn as much as possible in my current role and develop new skills that will enhance my transition into the sector. I don’t want to think too far ahead as I want to enjoy the rewards of life in London with a job for now.
