Christian M.

“Going back to university at 32 wasn’t an easy choice, but coming to Bangor was definitely the right one"

"Rewind ten years, and I was in my 20s taking on the world. As a Geologist, I worked as a consultant in mining and infrastructure projects, flying around the world to supervise and test giant heaps of rocks. When COVID hit I found myself saturated from geo-work and decided to do one thing I always wanted to try: working with kids! I decided to go from geodude to science teacher. I stumbled upon Bangor when browsing UCAS and immediately applied as living at the doorstep of Snowdonia was too tempting. As it happens, Bangor offers the only dual PGCE of any subject with Outdoor Education in the UK: win-win. I won’t lie, the PGCE in Physics with Outdoor Education was as tough as nails but extremely rewarding. I got to work with kids both in and out of the classroom, teaching character-building in the outdoors and the cosmos in the classroom.

I made the most out of university life too. I joined the Taekwondo club, played badminton and handball, competed in fell running, and even took the time to walk around Anglesey on the coastal path. I was awarded my PGCE in July 2022, but before putting on my teacher hat for good, I decided to take on my friend’s entrepreneurial offer and we’ve embarked on a quest to build AquaSwitch: the best business utility comparison website in the UK. Teacher training didn’t only give me the skills to teach, but it immensely improved my communication and management skills which are perfect for entrepreneurship. I’m infinitely more patient and to my surprise, there are so many adults out there that still act like kids!

So for anyone in their 30s wanting a change, Bangor is definitely a place to be!”