Freedom to choose my own projects and join different engineering teams has allowed me to shape my degree
What are the best things about studying Mechanical Engineering at Sheffield?
One of my favourite things is having the freedom to make my degree suit me. As a mechanical engineer, traditionally my course would not have contained much space-related teaching. Over the past few years, I have been able to join space-related co-curricular projects, choose specific modules that could align with space systems engineering and then do my dissertation with the aerospace department. This freedom to choose my own projects and join different engineering teams has allowed me to shape my degree into something that gives me the best chance of pursuing a career that I love.
Which elements of your course have you found particularly useful?
Group design projects were probably the most valuable elements of my course. It most closely replicates an engineering environment and really helped me to learn about working with new people in sometimes stressful situations. Being creative as a team rather than an individual is so important as an engineer, and this skill was nurtured and brought to light best through these projects.
Why did you decide to do a placement?
I decided to do a placement for lots of reasons; gaining experience in the industry you want to break into before you graduate is always a good idea but also you can understand whether you do really want to go into that industry. I wanted to really see how my studying would compare to real industry processes and challenges and plug any gaps I may be missing. I also wanted to stand out compared to any other student graduating at the same time as me.
Tell us about your placement
I did my placement year in Cardiff Wales with a company called Space Forge. An advanced materials company looking to utilise the low earth orbit environment to manufacture more efficient semiconductors to benefit life on earth.
My initial 8 weeks was as a Systems Engineer involved a research project titled 'Additive manufacturing for space applications' specifically looking into Fusion Deposition Modelling (FDM) printing. It was my job to look into and qualify materials and printers to be used for space hardware. I trawled through NASA and ECSS material databases to look for polymers that could survive low earth orbit and be FDM printed. I then presented my findings and next steps at the UK Space Conference 2023. This was such an honour and was a real pinch me moment. As I was already at the conference I also helped the Space Forge team on their stand and spoke to so many space industry titans about the exciting work Space Forge is doing.
I then worked in the Manufacturing Team helping to build a multi million pound satellite. I was working in an ISO7/Class 10000 cleanroom with an incredibly hardworking team to complete the build of the UK's biggest satellite in 40+ years.
What did you gain from your placement and how has this influenced your plans for your future career?
I gained so many industry contacts, clarity on my goals, an unbelievable amount of confidence and self belief, and a great LinkedIn profile! It has given me a foot in the door to get into the space industry, a clear cut path for me to pursue a career I never thought I'd be able to achieve. I now feel truly confident in my abilities to go into the space industry and make a huge difference.
As a neurodiverse student it also gave me hope. Exams have never been my strong point and I have often achieved grades way below my expectations. It is difficult to shake the idea you're not good enough just because of a few bad grades, but my placement helped me realise that I can be an amazing engineer. This has done absolute wonders for my confidence with my degree and life in general.
Engineering is not easy, building the base of knowledge required to become a great innovator can be very tough, but when the space to be creative is given, seeing that knowledge flow through you in the form of ideas and solutions will make it all worth it.