Shropshire Star

Goodbye to Harper but new horizons beckon

For the past five years, I have called Harper Adams my home.

Published
Charlotte Garbutt, Harper Adams University

It’s strange to think that my time at Harper is over. I first arrived back in September 2013 and since then, I’ve never looked back.

Throughout my degree, studying Bsc (Hons) Agri-Business, the memories I have made from the friends I’ve got to know and the experiences we have shared have definitely shaped who I am today. Harper not only offers a first class education but an out-of-classroom experience like no other.

The friends I have made there will be friends for life and the skills I have learnt will serve me well in the future.

My time at Harper has been slightly different as the last 12 months I have been working as part of the Students’ Union. I was elected as Students’ Union President last May and since beginning the post in July 2017 I have done everything from organise events to exploring new opportunities with the aim of improving the student experience.

I have loved every minute spent at Harper as there is a real community spirit and family feel. Everyone looks out for each other and is caring for one another. It’s something you don’t get at other institutions and that’s why we have so many alumni who want to give back, whether it’s through scholarships or other avenues.

One of the real assets to the degree is the placement year. I spent mine working for KWS UK. KWS are a global plant breeding company and having the opportunity to work for a large business and to understand the processes that take place in the plant breeding industry has stood me well for the future.

Gaining this knowledge and experience has helped me to secure a job with Syngenta, a global agrochemical company, as an area manager based in Lincolnshire. I am very much looking forward to establishing a career in the agricultural industry and attribute much of my success to my time at the university.

Harper is made up of a large number of committed individuals who encourage success in everyone who walks through the doors. That is why so many successful individuals can be found leading the industry today with a Harper degree under their belt.

The future of agriculture post Brexit make look uncertain but as long as there are institutions such as Harper providing the full experience, the industry as a whole will still be an attractive avenue for young people.

Charlotte Garbutt, Harper Adams University