Suman studied English Literature at the University of Cambridge, 2021-2024.
You didn’t start out studying English. What did you do instead?
I studied Biology, Physics and Chemistry at A level because I was encouraged by parents to pursue Science since it was felt that science subjects were more likely to lead to better and more secure jobs. I then completed a degree in Chemistry and Biology, after which I worked in business for fourteen years. My work had nothing to do with the Sciences but my analytical and problem-solving skills proved very useful.
What brought you back to studying English?
I chose to do the English degree because I have always wanted to study English literature but was encouraged to pursue science instead. I felt there was always a gap in my life that needed to be filled.
What skills did studying English develop (both academically but also in terms of life more generally)?
- To assimilate large amounts of information from different texts and critics;
- To build a coherent, structured argument;
- To justify statements and arguments by close reference to written evidence in texts;
- Critical analysis of words and phrases to discover deeper meanings;
- To create new and unique ideas relating to existing works by looking for opposing or conflicting ideas within written texts;
- A framework for analysing books, films, plays and shows that brings a deeper connection with the work and more satisfaction and enjoyment.
What are you going to do next?
As a mature student with a family, I need to reconnect with my home (including repairs and an overgrown garden), family and friends who I haven’t seen properly for three years due to the intensity of the course. I will continue with my tutoring business where I tutor English and Science, and continue to use aspects of English in Science and vice versa, as I believe both of these can learn from each other. I will keep my mind open and am flexible to consider new opportunities as they come up.