Matt’s Five-Year Journey in General Engineering: A Story of Friendships, Fun, and Finding His Career

Why General Engineering

I always knew that I wanted to do Engineering, however I felt that it was too early to choose a specific discipline straight after my A-Levels, therefore I felt that the unique General Engineering option which Sheffield offers suited me perfectly, allowing me to try different areas of engineering and specialise gradually throughout my degree course.

The Best Parts of My Course

The camaraderie experienced on the General Engineering course, centred around the incredible 'GEMSoc' society, is one of the best on offer at the university. Despite starting during the peak of covid-19 in September 2020, our course offered us the perfect avenue for making friends and building strong working relationships and amazing friendships throughout the five-year long course. Although this has been important for morale support throughout what is a very challenging degree programme, it has also been a highlight of the university experience as a whole, making friendships to last a lifetime!

The interdisciplinary aspect of the course is truly invaluable. By the end of my second year, I had a deep understanding of most engineering disciplines, which gave me the confidence to specialize in my third year. Although it was challenging to keep up with a diverse range of technical content, this "general" approach in the first two years provided a much deeper insight into the wider engineering sector. This flexibility allowed me to gain the confidence to work in a multitude of sectors, including healthcare, nuclear, and water.

My Placement Year at Eadon Consulting Ltd.

I spent my placement year as a Placement Engineer with Eadon Consulting Ltd. at the Advanced Manufacturing Park site just outside of Sheffield. This year-long placement was a perfect break from academia, giving me a chance to apply my knowledge and skills while gaining insight into the world of engineering consultancy. From the start, I was heavily involved in highly technical and exciting projects, ranging from nuclear decommissioning to bespoke engineering design. I was fully embraced as a member of the team, and even had the opportunity to visit Sellafield Ltd. as part of a complex project. Eadon's own workshop allowed me to gain valuable experience with prototyping and testing alongside more desk-based design work.

My course provided a solid foundation for my placement. I used the technical knowledge I had gained in every project. Modules like Mechanics of Structures from my second year and Nuclear Science, Materials and Engineering from my third year were particularly useful, as were all the CAD and FEA/CFD modules I had taken. The engineering placements team also provided me with regular assistance, which made the entire process of applying for and undergoing the placement stress-free.

Life Beyond My Degree

My university experience was about more than just my studies. I was a member of the General Engineering Master's Society (GEMSoc), the UoS Swimming and Water Polo Club (UOSSWPC), and the UoS Snowsports Club. I also served on the committees for GEMSoc and Snowsports. Outside of university, I volunteered with the Jacob's Well Foundation, where I was part of a small team that restored a well-drilling rig for Burkina Faso. I have also volunteered with the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) since 2022, and currently serve as the Chair of Young Professionals for the South Yorkshire region.

My advice to a younger student considering Sheffield is to take every opportunity and get involved in extracurricular activities. Whether it's a sports committee, a charity, or an organization like the IET, it's so important to expand your experience beyond your degree. Just make sure you enjoy what you do and make the most of your time at university!

After graduating, I am due to start my graduate role at Arup in Sheffield in September 2025. I am looking forward to applying the knowledge and skills I've gained and continuing to grow as an engineer.