James McMillan

In school, especially around GCSEs, I had written myself off as someone who could never work in a field involving maths and science. I would regularly have anxiety around STEM subject lessons. It was so frustrating, wanting to solve problems but not feeling adequate enough to use the tools that can help solve such global issues. In 2020, the pandemic happened, and I was completing an undergraduate degree in Geography; although I enjoyed this thoroughly, I still felt something was missing. Then I saw it advertised - MSc Computer Science at Swansea as a Conversion Masters. I seized the opportunity to change direction, to take the risk and push myself out of my comfort zone. The only problem, education in the UK is expensive! When I heard about the James Pantyfedwen Foundation grant, I instantly found a lifeline at a time when finding part-time jobs was difficult following the cut-down on hiring during the pandemic in many sectors.

This grant allowed me to thrive in my MSc and overcome barriers that I discovered I had only imagined and set for myself. My world now feels limitless, and as such my desire to create positive changes continues with strong conviction. I have found a graduate role in one of the top firms in the country within the consulting and auditing sector. I feel this would not have been possible without the belief that the James Pantyfedwen Foundation had in me that in turn allowed me to unlock a belief in myself. Onwards and upwards!

Diolch!