Adam Hughes
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
Hi, my names Adam Hughes, I'm 24 and just about to finish my fantastic time at the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the University of Liverpool. I started on the foundation course and progressed to masters level. I'm from Liverpool and have acquired a job for Scottish Power with masters funding due to my new qualifications and have made many friends along the way!
What course are you studying?
I am now finishing a Masters in Energy and Power Systems.
What made you choose to do the MSc in Energy and Power Systems?
I've always loved how things work from an early age, especially electronics, after doing my A-levels and gaining experience in the industry I decided this is the next step to further my career. When I was applying for courses, I realised that one of the best electrical and electronic engineering red brick departments in the country was in my city. Once I finished my bachelor's I realised that I particularly enjoyed power systems, so I applied for the masters in Power and Energy Systems.
What did you do previously before University?
Before I started university, I was doing my A-levels in Electronics, Physics and Chemistry as well as working part-time in an engineering company.
I came to the University of Liverpool by first doing the Engineering Foundation Course in Carmel College, I then studied a bachelors in Electrical and Electronic Engineering
How has your experience been studying?
My experience has been very positive as I have learned so much to the point where my pre-university self would think I'm working in a different language. The lectures are taught well, and the workload is manageable. If there is an issue or you can't understand something, the friendly staff will always make time for you and encourage students to ask questions in lectures and give plenty of tutorials.
What are the best things about the course?
One of the best things about the course is final year projects, you can pitch your idea, and the staff will completely support you; this means you can do what interests you, even If it's a moon shot idea the university will help make it a reality with funding. If your project goes well, you can get attention from industry working with the department or other staff giving you incredible opportunities to work on cutting edge technology projects. Another good thing is your surrounded by people who are on the same wavelength as you; you can talk for hours about a subject you may not have been able to speak about much previously.
How have you been supported during your time?
The University of Liverpool has been very supportive; if you have an issue, the staff will try to support you as much and as soon as they can. If you have DSA eligibility, it feels like the university goes a step beyond, all staff are kept in the loop. Additional weekly study support is provided if it's needed and you can tell your issues to any staff member, and they will tell you the best way to get the support you need. All students are assigned a learning mentor who helps look after them throughout their study. The learning resources and reading lists provided can give you such in-depth knowledge of a subject when you are being taught, so you don't have to worry about looking online for extra materials.
Which aspects of your course do you think have been the most beneficial to your career development?
Working in labs taught me much about designing and building systems from the ground up. Your first year of study is to give you a strong foundation to start understanding the more complex systems in the second year of study, In your third year, you choose your optional modules which help you specialise your skills to create something totally new in your third year project potentially. This specialised project can be used to demonstrate your skills to a specific industry. Also just because you took Electrical and Electronic Engineering doesn't mean you have to work with circuits, you can jump into thousands of different job roles usually reserved for other engineering disciplines or computer science.
How have you found the city of Liverpool to study in?
I’m a Liverpudlian, so it’s the best city hands down for nightlife, things to do and has the friendliest people you will meet. It also has a good student scene as four universities are sharing the same city.
Do you have any hobbies outside of studying?
I spend my free time playing the guitar, going to the pub with my friends, working with the electrical engineering Eshock society and creating a measuring equipment start-up.
Any top tips to share with future and current students?
My top tip for new students is to make friends with the teaching staff; it can seem daunting because you assume they are very busy, but they will always make time for you and will catch up in the labs when your doing projects. They can give you good advice and tell you about any opportunities that can benefit you. My second tip is to apply for every opportunity there is from the department; it can boost your CV.
What are your plans for the future?
I received a scholarship from Scottish Power to fund my masters, and I plan to work for them in September to start my career in engineering and hopefully obtain chartership.
Are there any other memories you would like to share from your time at the University of Liverpool?
My fondest memory is seeing my bachelors final year project on LiFi technology displayed in the Liverpool World Museum on May the 4th day and once my bachelors was completed celebrating with my university friends.
