What our graduates say
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Katy Earnshaw, MEng Aerospace Engineering, graduated 2008
Katy Earnshaw, MEng Aerospace Engineering 2008 graduate, now works for Rolls Royce as New Production Introduction (NPI) Lead Engineer on final engine assembly of the Trent XWB fancase. She is still involved in Aerospace at Sheffield as a member of the Aerospace Engineering Industrial Advisory Board. |
After graduating in 2008, I worked for Firth Rixson for three years, gaining experience in technical projects as well as financial, commercial and managerial skills. I also had the opportunity to travel, and worked in Reno, Nevada for three months.
In 2011 I moved to Rolls-Royce to work as a New Product Introduction (NPI) Lead Engineer on final engine assembly of the Trent XWB fancase. I am responsible for all the NPI and Pre-Production activities from the point where the engine completes its development and on into full-scale production. I have also had the opportunity to travel with this job, taking me amongst other places, to Japan where I worked with one of our suppliers training them on Rolls-Royce methods to ‘Build in Quality’ during the assembly process.
Having a degree in Aerospace Engineering is extremely beneficial, since it proves to employers both within aerospace and in other sectors that you are able to grasp difficult concepts quickly, solve problems and learn ‘on the fly.’ My University assignments with their tight deadlines and presentations emulated current employer expectations; whilst group projects taught ‘emotional intelligence’, negotiation and project management skills.
Studying Aerospace Engineering at Sheffield University gave me the skills I needed to do a job I really enjoy – there aren’t many people who get to watch exciting engine tests, collaborate with so many different people and work next to the world’s most efficient civil turbofan engine every day!
Mikil Patel, MEng Aerospace Engineering (Private Pilot Instruction), graduated 2010
Completing the MEng Aerospace Engineering degree from Sheffield has without a doubt equipped me for a career within the aerospace sector.
I graduated in 2010, subsequently attaining a graduate job with MBDA (Missile Systems). The flying start to my career was aided by the mixture of skills I gained whilst studying in Sheffield.
I feel I owe much of my success to the hard work and commitment of the departmental staff who worked tirelessly to ensure students get off to the best possible start in industry. The department ensures it tailors its course to meet future industry needs which, in my eyes, is one of the reasons why Sheffield graduates fit in very well within major organisations both in the UK and abroad. Futhermore, Sheffield has many industrial links specifically with major organisations within the aerospace sector.
The Students' Union in Sheffield is one of the best in the UK. Reflecting on my time in Sheffield, I'd say it was possibly the best years of my life! It is a great city with an even greater Engineering University consequently making Sheffield the ultimate student experience.
Davind Seesurn, MEng Aerospace Engineering with a Year in Industry, graduated 2011
The 5 years spent in Sheffield and during my year in industry as an aerospace engineering student have been great, exceeding any of the expectations I had. The staff, both teaching and non-teaching, are extremely helpful whether it be course related concerns or personal issues.
Currently I am working as a Business Analyst with HSBC Global Banking and Markets, and although this may seem miles apart from what I studied, it is very much related to the various control systems principles, and avionics modules that I studied.
That's what makes Sheffield's aerospace courses unique, the fact that they reach out to various departments and incorporate Computer Science, Control Systems, EEE, Materials, Maths, Mechanical, you name it.
Sarah Hyde, MEng Aerospace Engineering, graduated 2006
I chose the MEng Aerospace Engineering course at The University of Sheffield as it enabled me to study modules across all aspects of engineering during the first two years. Having had no previous experience of engineering in my academic career, this allowed me to gain an understanding of all fundamentals before specialising in one area. I enjoyed the practical elements of the modules and also the unmanned air vehicle group project.
The aerospace course not only equipped me with academic knowledge but also with other core skills, such as team working, communication skills and problem solving. These were invaluable on the BAE Systems Graduate Scheme that I went on to complete after graduating and also during my career so far.
I am now leading a team of specialist engineers using the Six Sigma Quality toolset to improve process control within the Military Air and Information Sector at BAE Systems.
Liam Broome, MEng Aerospace Engineering (Private Pilot Instruction), graduated 2011
As part of the course, we had to complete a number of challenging projects based on real-world problems. This provided a sense of authentic learning that can sometimes be missing in other degree programmes.
The structure of the course also shaped a strong social aspect in our day-to-day lives and lead me to develop long-term friendships that will exist for many years to come.
Not only did the course provide me with a strong technical background, it also helped me to develop some of the essential softer skills required for success as a professional engineer. These skills have been extremely useful in my short time as an engineer working in industry.
I am currently employed as a mechanical engineer on the graduate scheme of a well-known global steel producer and actively working on projects that will reinforce its standing in the global market. I am also now working towards professional accreditation with the Institute of Mechanical Engineers.
Lewis Dawnay, MEng Aerospace Engineering, graduated 2009
I really enjoyed studying aerospace engineering at Sheffield. I found the course interesting, suitably challenging, and I made an excellent group of friends.
I'm now working as a Research, Design and Development Engineer at Dyson. I'm in the Separation Systems team, where I design, build, and test cyclones and filters. While vacuum cleaners are quite different from aircraft, I'm still using the skills taught during my time at Sheffield, particularly the understanding of air flow.
The aerospace course taught me how to solve complex interdisciplinary engineering problems by using a fundamental approach, both individually and as part of a team. I particularly enjoyed the group design project in my 3rd year where we had to design, build and fly (and crash and repair!) a small unmanned air vehicle.
Learning to work as an effective team member has proved to be invaluable for working at Dyson, as has a steady hand with superglue!