Budding engineers hear from alumni at experience days on-campus

Volunteering

Four alumni shared their career insights last week for the University’s Engineering Experience days. The event, which is organised by º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ’s School and College Liaison team, was aimed at 16-year-old students interested in studying engineering, with the day highlighting various branches of engineering.

On Wednesday 5 July, two alumni delivered separate keynote sessions to share insights into their careers in civil engineering and aerospace engineering, respectively. The speakers were: 

  • Alison Horton (MEng Civil Engineering 2013), Structural Associate at Cundall

  • Federico Giusto (MEng Aeronautical Engineering 2018), Space Systems Engineer at ispace Europe. 

Alison, who was on campus for her talk and is a STEM Ambassador, emphasised the value of work experience for students in gaining engineering employment, as well as explaining how climate change is at the forefront of structural engineering today.

Federico (pictured below), presenting his session remotely from Luxembourg where he is based, shared details about his career in space exploration and involvement with the world’s first commercial lunar landing, and explained that he has been overwhelmed by the opportunities that have been made available to him as a result of the course he studied at º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ.

Federico Giusto is seated at a computer desk wearing a headset and smiling. On top of the computer screens is some lettering, which reads SPACON.A couple of other people are in the background at another desk with computers. Fede on console in Tokyo, Japan

On Thursday 6 July, two further alumni gave presentations on careers in Formula 1 and the wider automotive engineering industry:  

  • John Holland (BEng Manufacturing Engineering and Management 1999), Managing Director EMEA at Kleanbus Ltd 

  • Dr Nicholas Brown (MEng Aeronautical Engineering 2010), Head of Bodywork Design, McLaren Racing 

Nick, also speaking to students remotely, had originally wanted to be an RAF pilot, and joined McLaren from a ‘non-traditional route’ into the industry after studying aeronautical engineering, telling the students that there are several ways to get to where you want to be. 

Whilst studying at º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ, alumnus John completed his placement year at Ford Motor Company before joining their graduate scheme. He advised students that his long and varied career journey had been challenging but had taught him new skills with each role.   

Across the four sessions, alumni shared their career journeys, insight into their industries and branch of engineering and key skills gained from their degrees. Attendees had the opportunity to ask questions during the session and quizzed the alumni on their careers so far.  

Thank you to all alumni who supported this event.

If you are interested in contributing to a future event, please get in touch.