Richard Watts
Country:
United Kingdom
Sector:
Finance
Job title:
Retired
Subject of study:
Physics
Year of graduation:
1994, 1997
Type/Level of study:
PhD
Current Employer/Organisation Name
I am retired.
Can you give us an overview of what you have done since you completed your research degree?
30 year career in financial services in the UK and US.
How did you become interested in the area you work in?
Through my network while studying at Exeter.
How did you find opportunities in the area you work in and how did the recruitment process work?
I made contacts in firms that offered roles in the field I wanted to work in.
What skills are involved in your work and how did your research degree help develop them?
Problem solving
What are the challenges in your role?
I am retired! I have no challenges 😇
What has surprised you about your role?
That I am retired!
Did you engage in any additional activities or roles (i.e. organising conferences, entering PGR showcase, being a PGR Rep etc.) during your research degree, and how did these help prepare you for a career beyond academia?
Heavily involved in sports clubs and societies.
What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?
Problem solving.
What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?
Work hard, build a network, get real world experience, be prepared to work very hard.
