Profile
Nijantha Kirupakaran
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About Me:
I am a Graduate working in the infrastructure sector during the day. I also enjoy hiking.
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I studied A-level Biology, Chemistry, Psychology and History and did a degree in Neuroscience
I studied the nervous system 
and did lots of experiments on myself and others!I worked as a research assistant at a NHS hospital and at a University where I tested stroke patients
who lost the ability to communicate with others. I helped them improve their language ability by creating therapy tools on an iPad . -
My pronouns are:
She/Her
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My Work:
I recently joined National Highways as a Generalist graduate which is a three-year programme where I rotate in different teams. For example, communications, strategy, customer and business transformation.
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After uni, I decided to build different skills and join a graduate scheme. I joined National Highways who look after the major A-roads and motorways.
I currently work in the future Road Investment Strategy and Government Relations team. We help National Highways get the money to look after the national roads for the next five years (2025-2030). We get our money from the government to enhance, maintain and renew our roads. To prove that we need the money, the strategy team help make a plan so the public know what we will do with the money.
Within the strategy team, I help set the company performance targets to make sure we deliver what we said we will do.
I worked in external Communications where we manage the company’s reputational risk. I helped develop animations for social media, helped improve how teams work together across Communications, and influenced the wider business to consider the impact of their work on the customer.
I currently work in Operations where we construct and design maintenance schemes for roads.
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My Typical Day:
I wake up at 8am and have breakfast. I turn my laptop on and work from home at 9am. I have meetings in the morning and have lunch whenever I like. In the afternoon, I work on projects or presentations and then log off my laptop at 5pm.
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Education:
I lived in West Germany and attended Nursery (the equivalent of Year 1).
I moved to the West Midlands in 2007 and joined a primary school from Year 2-6.
I then moved to an all-girls Language College for secondary school and got really involved. I was part of the rounders team (we played against different counties) and took part in the stage crew team who helped with musicals and events at the school. I was an ambassador and eventually deputy Head Girl. I also went Sixth Form at the same school.
I went to Aston University in Birmingham to study Neuroscience for an undergraduate degree.
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Qualifications:
I got GCSEs in Maths (7), English (6), Biology (A), Chemistry (A*), Physics (A), German (A*), French (A), History (A) and Psychology (A).
I got A-levels in Psychology (A), Biology (A) and Chemistry (A) and an AS-level in History (C).
I got a first class degree in Neuroscience.
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Work History:
I worked at the school canteen during break and lunch time when I was in sixth form.
I work at Next since 2019, which is a retail store. I worked part-time whilst I was at uni.
I worked as an Ambassador at Aston University and helped with events like summer schools and open days for 4 years.
I worked as a Research Assistant at a hospital in partnership with the University of Birmingham and Aston University for my placement year at Uni.
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Current Job:
I work full-time at National Highways as a Graduate since September 2023.
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Employer:
National Highways
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My Interview
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How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
Detail-oriented, Strategic, Friendly
What did you want to be after you left school?
I didn't know what I wanted to be!
Were you ever in trouble at school?
Yes
If you weren't doing this job, what would you choose instead?
I would like to try being a hair dresser
Who is your favourite singer or band?
I don't have a favourite singer/band
What's your favourite food?
Apple Pie
Tell us a joke.
Sorrry, I am rubbish with jokes- I have dry humour.
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