Become a critical thinker with the University of Greenwich
The BEng Mechanical Engineering degree course at the University of Greenwich prioritised independent, critical thinking. Rather than having work assigned in a predictable and telegraphed format, it was constructed and delivered in such a way to mirror the tasks and problems faced by engineers in the real world. The level of complexity and intricacy in the tasks and challenges presented to the students would make them confident in handling dynamic and/or developing situations in the real world.
The degree provided me a healthy blend of technical hard skills, which is expected from engineers, but also soft skills that would make me formidable in the professional arena. A student that commits themselves to any of the engineering degrees provided by the university will come out strong in technical understanding and be adept in dealing with social dynamics.
I had the University of Greenwich as my first choice. I was ecstatic when I had met the requirements to be accepted.
Get the right skillset and repertoire with an MSc
The industrial field and the nature of innovation/enterprise became very enticing to me during my BEng degree. Looking into the modules provided in the university’s MSc Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, I concluded that it would give me the right skillset and repertoire needed to succeed in such arenas, especially in the post-Covid day and age. Entering the MSc from my BEng, I came with a keen eye on being resourceful in finding information, identifying research gaps, and scrutinising data/narratives. Coupled with my honed soft skills, I was able to complete not just my dissertation but also all assignments set to high standards.
The MSc has bolstered my confidence professionally and personally. Having another IET accredited qualification has allowed myself and others to recognise the diverse skillset I possess and the asset I can be for a company.
A multifaceted role in industry
I am now working as a Sales and Applications Engineer in a multifaceted role that involves a combination of the technical and soft skills taught during both of my degrees. The technical aspects of my role involve me experimenting and testing various machine vision equipment. The Sales side of my role uses the soft skills taught during my degree and involves interacting with customers and suppliers of varying technical understanding to build a rapport and apply an effective solution to their needs and problems.
Special recognition to my personal tutor and lecturer Amy Austin, who endeavoured to ensure that her tutees and students were in the right mental space amidst the workload during lockdown. The Medway Campus certainly provides a receptive atmosphere for students where students’ wants and needs are addressed as they progress through their academic journeys and work alongside their fellow classmates and lecturers.
This article was originally published on 13/01/2023.
