Stuart Johnstone, Oregon Timber
What is your background?
I’m from East Kilbride, Scotland. I went to The University of Glasgow and graduated with an MSci in Physics in 2009.
Why did you apply to the TalentScotland Graduate Placement Programme?
I saw an advert for TalentScotland and looked at the website. I saw a placement that I thought I would enjoy and would be useful to me so I applied for it.
How have you benefited from the programme?
The placement that I am on has been very rewarding so far. If nothing else, I have gained experience in areas of business that were not available within my degree course.
I have been given a fair amount of responsibility and I have to keep up with the steep learning curve which is both challenging and fulfilling.
It has also provided me with a possible opportunity for further employment within the company that I am doing my placement with.
What advice would you give to other graduates?
Be willing to apply for roles that are in a different field from what you studied at university as you may be surprised at the useful experience that you could gain.