‘My Graduate Experience’ with Grace Morgan-Lundie CO22

Grace returned to Truro School recently to talk to students about her journey since leaving. She studied Chemistry, Geology and 3D Design at A-Level, before applying to university to study Geology. Receiving successful offers from every university she applied to, she ultimately chose Cardiff University, where she studied for a BSc in Geology.

Grace spoke to students about the course itself, the benefits of studying Geology, and the different offers and opportunities available across various universities’ geology programmes. She also talked students through her dissertation: what it required, and the expectations placed on her throughout the process.

After Cardiff, Grace moved home to study an MSc in Exploration and Mining Geology at the Camborne School of Mines. Again, she spoke about the programme, the work experience it offered, and the type of fieldwork involved and the great culture between women in mining. Interestingly, Grace also spoke about the benefits of completing a master’s and of studying Geology more broadly – highlighting how the subject can open doors for students not necessarily aiming for a direct career in geology, but perhaps considering related fields such as economics. She also highlighted the excellent scholarships on offer at Camborne School of Mines, and how they helped her secure valuable work experience.

Today, Grace works for Cornwall Resources, which is a mineral exploration and development company with the objective of identifying and developing the critical mineral prospects of Cornwall and the Southwest. Following her experience here, Grace told us that she is looking forward to a move to Australia in the next few years, where she has been offered the opportunity to manage her own project.

Questions from students included:

• What are your thoughts on doing a PhD?
• You were accepted by five universities; how did you choose between them?

Grace closed the talk by sharing her main pieces of advice with students, including key tips on applying to university, what to look into in order to get the best experience from your university course, and valuable advice on mindset throughout the whole journey, from university to career.