My grandad used to build and fly model aircraft and he manufactured his own gas turbine engine from scratch which really got me interested in the area

Watch: our interview with Rebecca

Originally I wanted to go into Law until I went and did work experience at a RAF base. They sent me to look at the air craft hangers and I thought it was so much more fun. My A Levels weren’t the required ones for studying Mechanical Engineering so I did the Foundation Year here at Sheffield before starting my degree.

I study Mechanical Engineering which is such a broad subject. Fundamentally, it’s the practical application of Physics and Maths to solve real-life problems. We study everything from solid mechanics – the forces and stresses on solid components, to fluid mechanics – so looking at how fluids flow. We study manufacturing processes looking at traditional methods such as forging and casting as well as new developments such as 3D printing. This is all combined with learning management skills so we can use this knowledge in practical applications.

I was the President of the Mechanical Engineering Society at University which gave me a social aspect to the course but also allowed me to forge links with industrial contacts and leadership skills.

I’d really like to go into a project management role. I’ve really enjoyed leading group projects throughout my course and also being President of a society. I’d like to go into the Aerospace industry as I have an interest in gas turbines.

We interviewed Rebecca in 2015.