How my Chemical Engineering degree laid the groundwork for a meaningful career
Choosing a university was a big decision, and I explored several options. However, Sheffield stood out after my open day visit. The Diamond’s cutting-edge facilities were a huge draw, and I was impressed by the engineering department’s track record. Beyond academics, I fell in love with the city itself – the abundance of green spaces, the easy access to the Peak District, and the overall friendly vibe made it feel like the perfect fit.
I really valued the high-quality facilities in the department, most notably the Diamond. It provided a fantastic learning environment. The staff were also incredibly engaging and approachable, which made a big difference to my learning experience. The opportunity to explore a diverse range of modules across different faculties was another highlight. It allowed me to broaden my understanding of chemical engineering and discover new areas of interest.
Sheffield quickly became a home away from home. I was drawn to the city’s unique blend of urban energy and natural beauty. My time at Sheffield not only met but surpassed my expectations. I had an amazing university experience, made lifelong friends, and developed a real affection for the city. It’s a place I’ll always cherish.
Since graduating, I’ve been working as a Process Engineer at DBD International, where I’ve now been for over two years. I initially started my professional life in the food and drink sector but made a conscious decision to transition into the nuclear industry. This move required some dedicated learning, but it’s been a very fulfilling and rewarding career path.
My main responsibilities involve producing deliverables to support my projects as they progress through concept and detailed design stages. This includes developing calculations, models, written reports, technical studies, and creating process flow diagrams and P&IDs.
A significant part of my day is spent working on these design deliverables—either creating new processes or optimising existing ones within the nuclear industry. These tasks involve a great deal of problem-solving and collaboration, often requiring close coordination with other process engineers, stakeholders, and different engineering disciplines. As a result, I regularly attend meetings throughout the day to discuss progress, address challenges, and align our efforts.
The most rewarding aspect of my role is the collaboration and the diverse perspectives I gain from working with others. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see how different viewpoints can lead to innovative solutions and a deeper understanding of the challenges we face.
Of course, there are challenges too. One of the main difficulties is dealing with the fluctuating pace of the nuclear industry. These peaks and troughs can be demanding, and meeting the industry’s stringent safety standards is no small feat. That said, I fully appreciate the importance of these regulations – they’re essential for ensuring both safety and efficiency in our work. Embracing and understanding these challenges has been key to my growth in this field.
My degree from Sheffield has been instrumental in preparing me for this role. One of the most valuable experiences was the third-year design project. It taught me how to analyse open-ended problems, conduct research, and develop technical solutions, all while considering broader aspects like economics and safety. It also helped me refine my teamwork skills, which are crucial in any engineering environment.
The final-year research project was another pivotal part of my development. It pushed me to work independently and strengthened my ability to plan, research, and deliver technical work – skills I now use every day in my job. Altogether, these experiences gave me a solid foundation of practical skills and confidence to thrive in the nuclear industry.
Engineering taught me to solve complex problems using a range of discrete approaches. This ability to think critically and analytically has been incredibly useful in my role – whether I’m designing a new process, improving an existing one, or navigating unforeseen challenges.
Currently, I’m working towards chartership with IChemE, as I see this as an important milestone in my professional journey. Looking ahead, my long-term goal is to become a highly skilled and experienced process engineer. I’m eager to explore different industries, take on new challenges, and continue building on the foundation that began at Sheffield.
If I could give my younger self some advice, it would be to explore as much as possible. Don’t stress about having everything figured out straight away – university is the perfect time to try new things, speak to people from different industries, and discover what you’re passionate about. Focus on developing transferable skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, as they’ll serve you well in any career. And remember, it’s absolutely fine to change direction. Your career is a journey, and sometimes the most unexpected paths lead to the most rewarding destinations.