My degree will help me to develop an analytical mind-set

Why did you choose mechanical engineering?

The University of Sheffield was one of the universities that a friend suggested to me. He works in the automotive industry and it was this field that originally got me interested in mechanical engineering.

I think that, apart from the obvious hard skills, my degree will help me to develop my analytical mindset which can then be applied in a variety of situations and roles.

Leonardo Marchiori

MEng Mechanical Engineering with Biomechanics with a Year in Industry

Following his suggestion, I came over to one of the open days and fell in love with the Diamond - it is a facility that Italian universities couldn’t even imagine!

I also really liked the curriculum and compared to the other UK universities I visited, Sheffield just felt right. I can definitely say I have never regretted my choice!

What do you particularly enjoy about Mechanical Engineering?

As a curious person by nature, I love to discover how stuff works both at a practical level and the theory underneath.

This is exactly what we study in mechanical engineering and I particularly love the good balance between theoretical modules and more hands-on modules.

Tell us about being a student here. What is a typical week like for you?

My typical week is pretty busy! Every day I have two (but usually more!) contact hours, then I usually do some work at home on assignments or tutorial sheets, which I always try to keep on top of.

Most days I also have something extra-curricular going on, ranging from language classes to sports. Nonetheless, I usually manage to squeeze in some relaxation time, usually reading or playing games.

What is your favourite thing about Sheffield?

I love the Peak District! I think it is the perfect place for a bike ride or a hike and I go whenever I can.

As a city, I like the fact that Sheffield has pretty much everything within walking distance, which definitely makes my life easier and cheaper!

Are you involved in any extra-curricular activities?

Of course - I think there’s so much going on here in Sheffield, it’s impossible not to find something you like!

This year, I am the Boys’ swimming captain for the University swimming and waterpolo club. Although this means training every day, I have been swimming competitively since I was 6 and can’t see my life without it!

I am also a member of Sheffield Engineering Leadership Academy (SELA), so a few hours per week goes into the meetings and our group project.

Thanks to the Languages for All scheme, last year I started studying German too. It is something that I have wanted to do for quite a while and through the University I have also been able to do it for free.

I am also a faculty and departmental ambassador. I found a chat with students extremely helpful when I was choosing a university, so I hope I can give something back by helping new prospective students now.

What are your plans for after graduation? How do you think your degree experience will help you in your career?

I still have some time before graduating, so a lot can change, but at the moment, my thoughts are to start my career in an engineering role, but then move into a managerial role.

I have also recently considered further studies, either as an engineering PhD or MBA, so all the options are still on the table at the moment!

I think that, apart from the obvious hard skills, my degree will help me to develop my analytical mindset which can then be applied in a variety of situations and roles.

Moreover, I am sure that my experience with SELA will prove particularly useful as it is equipping me with a lot of soft skills which are essential.

Coming to study in the UK, especially within such a multicultural university, has certainly helped me to be more open-minded too and I now recognise the invaluable experience that working with someone with a different perspective or mindset brings.

Do you have any top tips for students thinking about studying Mechanical Engineering in Sheffield?

My top tip is to be curious and make the most of all the wonderful opportunities a university like this offers.

Engage and try to do well in your course, but don’t forget that a lot can be learned by joining one of the many extracurricular activities too.