My top three tips for getting the most out of University:
1. Have Fun! Be passionate and enthusiastic about everything you do at University.
2. Get involved in as many activities as possible.
3. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Why did you choose to study at the University of Liverpool’s School of Engineering?
I chose to study at the University of Liverpool as it offered a Mechanical Engineering degree with lots of flexibility to get industry experience. Other Universities I looked at did not offer the same ‘Capstone’ projects that allowed for 2 years of hands on experience. In addition to this the reputation and teaching of the faculty were one of the best in the UK.
Why did you choose your Engineering course?
While I was growing up, I always excelled at Maths and Physic but I never knew what I wanted to do. I choose engineering as It allowed me to apply my math and physics skills to real world problems. It gave me the opportunity to understand a wide range of topics which I could apply myself too allowing me more time to know what I wanted to specialise in.
What have you enjoyed most about your student experience?
While at University the most enjoyable experience was my summer abroad. I had the opportunity to study engineering at the prestigious Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) due to the William John Roberts scholarship. I met so many new people and had lots of great experiences that will last with me forever.
How have you found the learning experience at University?
Having the detailed theory and ‘hands on’ projects gave me the best fundamentals to start my professional career as an Engineer. Having regular tutor meetings allowed me to talk through where I wanted to develop and any issues I had with academic content. Overall the friendly nature of the learning experience.
What skills have you developed? What challenges have you faced, and how did you overcome them?
While on placement I have developed a lot of my transferable skills, whether it be presenting to 30-40 people or managing several of my own projects. I have improved my communication and personal skills to ensure that I can work in different teams. I used the academic knowledge I learnt at University to tackle challenges while on placement, giving me some great experiences.
What do you get up to when you are not studying?
In my free time, I love to stay active. I take part in a variety of teams that not only push me to move and be fit, but also have a rewarding group element. I am involved both the engineering football team and Liverpool University boxing team.
What have you enjoyed most about living in Liverpool?
The most enjoyable thing about living in Liverpool is the city campus setup. This mean that while at you are at University studying for your degree, you are only a 10-minute walk from the thriving City Centre. This allows you to not only explore the academic side while at University but also the other social scenes that are available in Liverpool.
Where did you do your industry placement, and what did you do?
I completed my placement at Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy. My position was a Process and Industrial Engineer based at the Wind Turbine Blade factory at Hull, Victory Dock.
During my placement I was involved in lots of projects from implementing new IT systems to installing new tools I have designed. I worked in a cross functional engineering team locally and the global engineers in Denmark. I developed my project management skills as I got first-hand experience of how the renewable energy and manufacturing industries operated.
What have you personally got out of your placement in industry?
Personal I have developed so many skills that I would not have gained whilst at University. I have become a lot more confident in the work I complete and the standard I complete it too. I believe a lot more in myself and the knowledge I have learnt from university.
As well gaining the experience of understanding what is required in a professional engineering role, I now have skills that will make me stand out compared to other graduates.