'The Math teaching was vital for the future years in studying Aerospace Engineering'

A profile photo of Matthew at work.
Matthew Bower
Microwave Development Engineer
AMRC
Matthew got a job with AMRC following his summer placement there between his third and fourth year.
A profile photo of Matthew at work.

You are a Microwave Development Engineer at AMRC. How did you land this role and are you enjoying it?

During the summer between my 3rd and 4th Year I undertook an internship at the AMRC Composite Centre, where I worked on a number of research and development projects – I thoroughly enjoyed the placement and after completing my MEng I joined the AMRC in a full-time role.

Over the two years I have been fortunate enough to work with leading specialists in composite manufacturing and travelled in Europe and Asia to discuss projects and upcoming research with other industries.

What does your day-to-day involve?

As a Development Engineer at the AMRC Composite Centre, I conduct research into composite manufacturing and processing. This involves managing projects, conducting lab experiments, disseminating information to partners and customers and representing the university on the international stage.

Something which is very important to me is being able to maintain an enjoyable balance between the practical and academic side of engineering.

Alongside my full-time work at the AMRC I am also undertaking a PhD with the University, this ties in well as the research I conduct at the AMRC contributes towards my PhD studies.

What was the reason you decided to study a Foundation Year in Aerospace Engineering at Sheffield?

I studied A-levels in History, Politics, Sociology and Physics with the original goal to study humanities or teaching as an undergraduate. However, physics sparked my interest in Engineering but without A-level Math, it is difficult to gain admission to study Engineering.

The Foundation Year provided an opportunity to develop my skills in math, chemistry and physics ahead of studying Aerospace Engineering.


The SFR is a student-run engineering team that build a single-seater race car each academic year.

Matthew Bower

Microwave Development Engineer


What elements of the Foundation Year teaching did you find most useful during your degree?

I found the Math teaching particularly useful as this was vital for the future years in studying Aerospace Engineering. It also allowed me to further develop my interest in core sciences as opposed to my other interests in humanities.

It also helped me adjust to my undergraduate degree as I was exposed to a new learning style, such as formal lectures, early on in my university career. It came as less of a shock when transitioning into my masters degree.

The Foundation Year is the first step for many science and engineering students studying at Sheffield. Aside from the teaching, what other elements of support/teaching did you find useful?

I found the Career Services support at the University really useful during my Foundation Year, they helped me create a CV which enabled me to get part-time work whilst I studied.

I also took advantage of the University’s MASH (Mathematics and Statistics Help), MASH supports students with free tuition in Maths and Statistics, and it really helped support my learning whilst studying Math in my Foundation Year.

In 2017, you graduated with a first in Aerospace MEng, that's incredible! What was your approach to studying - I'm sure students would like to know?

Thanks! My approach was to begin revising course material and begin practice exam papers as soon as possible.

Learning the course material is key but exam technique is also very important. I think the most important thing is to find out what learning styles suit you! Some people gain lots from lecture slides and pages and pages of notes.

I knew that this didn't suit me so I tried different note-taking formats when in lectures such as mind maps or diagrams.

The Students' Union has held seminars regarding different learning styles and revision techniques which can be really useful. The SSiD (Student Services Information Desk (SSiD) is always a good first port of call if you want to explore revision support.

In terms of societies, you were a long-standing member of the Sheffield Formula Racing team - an interdisciplinary student engineering team. Tell us about this experience and how working with students in this way has since helped your development?

Sheffield Formula Racing (SFR) was a great part of my time at University. The SFR is a student-run engineering team that build a single-seater race car each academic year.

The team designs, manufactures and assembles the race car using the facilities at the university and at the end of the year competes in the IMechE Formula student event at Silverstone.

Throughout my four years on the team, I worked on the design and manufacturing of carbon fibre composite components with the goal of making the car lighter.

My time on the SFR team enabled me to gain relevant engineering experience which was invaluable for my early career prospects.  It also helped me network with engineers currently working in the industry and helped me to start building professional relationships.

Finally, as a Sheffield graduate doing well in the industry, what are your top career tips?

I think my best bits of advice would be:

  • Get involved in extracurricular activities; these give you additional experience, a massive CV boost and help you develop your interpersonal skills
  • Think about summer placements or a year in industry - it will help with employability and it is a great opportunity to start networking
  • Choose something you enjoy. I have been able to combine my interests in science, academia and teaching (by sharing my research) which has been rewarding. The best way to stay motivated is to enjoy what you do.
  • Apply yourself and show willing!

It might sound simple but if you can demonstrate your motivation, you’ll be successful.

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