Answering your questions

Mohiuddin:

Growing up, I had an inquisitive mindset and was always interested in how things worked. I liked creating things and solving puzzles. As I grew up, I realized that I wanted to contribute to the world in a significant way and felt that being an engineer allowed me to do that because it is an in-demand profession where various engineers (chemical, biomedical, mechanical, electrical, etc) are required in every industry! It is also fulfilling as you are providing an important service and thus, also becomes rewarding. Engineers are basically skilled problem solvers, they create solutions for various challenges in every industry.

David:

About half-way through my PhD I realised that I got much more enjoyment from building and writing code than I did from doing the actual studies with it. I knew from that moment that I wanted to be a software engineer rather than a researcher who writes code.

Tayo:

The best part of my job is that I get to travel to different parts of the world, see some amazing places, meet different people, and experience different cultures and cuisine. Plus, I get to work on different processes, providing optimal solutions that improve the overall economic performance of the companies that I work with and their competing power in the global market economy. So far, I have worked on projects in North America, Australia, and most of the countries in Europe. No two days are ever the same with my job and I really like that.

Sam:

Creativity is essential for a Civil Engineer to address challenging problems and transform them into innovative solutions. When we're designing things like buildings, bridges or flood defences, creativity lets us make them not just safe and functional, but also environmentally friendly. We can even save money by thinking up clever ideas for using materials and resources. By using cutting edge technologies like Virtual Reality, we can simply explain complex projects to others and easily identify improvements to make our designs even better.

David:

I really believe software engineering in general is often more of an art form than it is a science. For me, every single line of code that I write is a creative decision – I need to find the right balance of functionality, speed and understandability. It needs to sound great when it’s being used, it needs to be efficient, and it needs to be easy for others to work on – a delicate and fun balancing act!

Florence:

Demonstrating a passion for the topics you are interested in outside of your studies will always put you in good stead with a potential employer or course administrator, as it shows you have the drive to explore and learn outside of your required schoolwork! You could look for local organisations to join – many STEM organisations have branches around the country. But you should also make sure to take time to do other things you enjoy. I was in a drama group and choir at school and university, and that’s okay! Do things that you love, they show you are well-rounded!

David:

Pursue what you’re interested in and do what makes you happy – you don’t need to be the best at it. In the end, it’s balance that makes you happy. Love and invest in yourself, and take pride in learning – the journey is often more valuable than the result. Enjoy and appreciate time – life can be taken away at any moment – don’t take anything, or anyone, for granted. Cast your social net wide, but focus on the people who really matter.

Chloe:

At GCSE level, I enjoyed STEM-related subjects and so A-levels felt a natural progression for me given I chose to pursue university. I explored several computer science degrees but when it came to writing my personal statement, highlighting the reasons why I was passionate about the subject, I began to have doubts and referred back to a friend from Sea Cadets. That was when I discovered the naval architecture field which I am working in today. Colleagues who work on the build and operation of our vessels however entered into the industry on a different path via apprenticeships for example.

Emily:

The engineering sector tends to be male dominated, however this statistic is gradually improving to include more diversity including a growing cohort of female engineers. At school, I took Maths, Further Maths and Chemistry A-Levels, and was one of the only girls in these classes. I learnt that I was a valuable asset and felt accepted by my peers. Secondly, I discovered that I should consider all my further education options, including apprenticeships, rather than adhering to the "norm" of attending university. This allowed me to find a career path that suited me and allowed me to build confidence by gaining real work experience alongside my studies.

Florence:

One of the great things about engineering is that many of the skills you learn in one field will be useful in another! Even if you make a decision and decide later on that it isn’t for you, there will always be a way to change. So try not to worry too much if you do not know what to do – I still don’t know either! But there are a few things you can think about. Maybe you like programming and circuits, or structures and design. Maybe aerospace and the environment, or biology or chemistry. Find what you love!

Sam:

I completed a 6-year apprenticeship with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. I worked four days a week within an engineering company and attended university one day per week. This allowed me to achieve this qualification whilst also gaining practical work experience, by applying classroom learning to real-world scenarios and earning money at the same time. It helped me improve my design and project management skills, allowing me to take on more responsibility. I am now an Incorporated Engineer with the Institution of Civil Engineers, which is a great achievement, recognising my knowledge, ability and skills. I am now working to progress further and become a Chartered Engineer.

Tayo:

I did a sandwich degree in Chemical engineering which involved a 1-year work placement in the nuclear industry. During my placement year I worked with the process control and automation group, and this started my interest in the field of process control and optimisation. I also registered with IChemE (Institution of Chemical Engineers) as a student, and I got my first job from an advertisement in The Chemical Engineer an IChemE journal.

Florence:

As my Head of Department says to every student starting their engineering degree, “Creativity first, science follows”. When applying for engineering courses, jobs or apprenticeships, your technical skills, classwork, and problem solving skills will be important. However, that is only part of what you need. Your transferable skills are equally valued! Effective communication skills are essential for collaborating in teams and conveying complex ideas. Employers and admissions teams also value creativity, adaptability, and a commitment to learning, as engineering fields are continually evolving and developing! Additionally, attention to detail and time management are crucial attributes for success in engineering roles.

Mohiuddin:

I have worked on both a power plant as well as an office. On a power plant, my daily activities include power plant safety walks, investigating gas turbine components and managing the work done by contractors during plant overhauls. It’s a more active and action-packed lifestyle in comparison to the office, where I conduct data analysis on how power plants perform and work on energy transition projects such as carbon capture utlisation and storage (CCUS). Both are equally good opportunities to develop as engineers, it is a matter of which environment interests you more.

Eleanor:

Engineering is a creative industry – therefore bringing out your creativity in your CV will help you to stand out. You could also show how what you are learning in school/college, and what you are doing outside of school, supports your interest in engineering. For example, are you part of a Climate Action Club? Do you participate in team activities which help strengthen your communication skills? Do you dismantle, rebuild or modify things at home (like your bike or a household appliance) to see how they work and try and improve them? Have you done any STEM taster days, volunteering or work experience? Take a look at the ‘My World, My Future: Where can STEM take me?’ guide for inspiration

Chloe:

Every day I get to work on aspects of the design, build and operation of uncrewed surface vessels (USVs). These remotely operated vessels are not too different from model boats you may see on lakes in your local parks, with the major difference being that these are designed to be sea-going vessels. USVs already provide several benefits to the protection of people and the environment, however our latest USV design uses hydrogen for power, making it a fully zero-emission vessel. Excitingly, this project takes this new concept from paper through to build and ultimate remote operation on the Thames estuary.

Sam:

The most exciting engineering project I've worked on is called "Skeffling Pumping Station". This is an ongoing project which involves designing and building a pumping station to manage water levels in an environmentally sensitive area, to help protect the surrounding properties from flooding. We’ve used innovative engineering techniques to ensure it’s effective and sustainable, whilst protecting the local ecosystem. As the Project Manager, I have the responsibility of overseeing the design process, organising teams, planning the work, and controlling costs. It’s been a challenging and rewarding experience, and I feel proud to be part of a project that will have a positive impact on the environment and the community when complete.

Eleanor:

Any sort of experience where you are gaining skills that people working in engineering and technology use, will be relevant. These skills include creativity, teamwork, open-mindedness, problem-solving (and problem-finding), communication, innovation (doing things differently for a better outcome) and persistence. Engineers also use numeracy skills, design skills, technical skills (such as programming) and project planning skills. Sometimes work experience can be done virtually. Ask parents, carers, teachers, careers advisers and friends, for suggestions. For further support with searching for work experience placements, take a look at: www.youthemployment.org.uk/workexperience

Emily:

At Babcock’s Devonport facility we provide support to the Royal Navy on the Type23 LIFEX programme. Refitting a frigate involves utilising dry docks and undertaking large maintenance tasks and design changes. During my time as an apprentice, I have had the opportunity to understand the scale of this contract and the importance of working closely with the customer. Going onboard the warship will always fascinate me, and I appreciate how lucky I am to have the opportunity to work as part of a large-scale project. I have faced the challenge of being new to the engineering sector, with no prior knowledge, however I strive to expand my skills and understanding by tackling a small part of the whole engineering system at a time.

Tayo:

My first French Fries project was a bit of a challenge as prior to that I had worked with just liquid or gas processes. If there were solids in these processes, these solids were the final product of the processes. It was hard to imagine applying the same principles that I had used previously to French Fries which are solids. But it was a good challenge and now I really enjoy working on such projects, plus it’s all you can eat French fries.

Lucy:

Both your career opportunities and interests are always evolving, and learning never stops. In a world of rapid change, it is important to see both your career and interests not as separate entities but as something that can collide. When I started out, my job opportunities did not always align perfectly with my end goal aspirations, but these experiences helped me build various skill sets and experiences that could eventually allow me to take on even more exciting opportunities. Every experience has become an integral part of my practice. Choose opportunities that suit your aspirations and future self.

Rohinee:

Since engineering disciplines are broad, there are many different jobs and sectors you could work in. Deciding which of the many roles you are interested in, may be more difficult than finding something that suits your interests. Many engineering companies offer students work experience and internships, which is a good way to experience different jobs and see what you enjoy. My current job which involves seismic engineering (earthquakes), which I found particularly interesting at university. Within companies, you can also find opportunities to work on projects which interest you, and people change roles throughout their career to align with their current interests.

Eleanor:

Lucy:

I love to fuse creative disciplines with software engineering and am always inspired by the creative process of collaboration – each project requires a completely unique approach. Extended reality projects are made up of many talented individuals contributing their specialist skill sets, so it is really important to enable a shared vision. I am often responsible for the execution of a project, and this requires foresight and communication. It is important to me to know l am offering something out into the world, this starts with the inspirational people I work with and the experiences we create.

Mohiuddin:

As engineers working towards achieving RWE’s primary aim: to become carbon neutral by 2040 and help the UK become carbon neutral by 2050, we are working on exciting new energy transition technologies such as carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS), green hydrogen production and combustion, large scale battery storage, amongst others. By implementing these, we can reduce the emissions vented to the atmosphere and mitigate climate change while simultaneously also providing secure supply of energy to the country!

Stuart:

Stuart:

Eleanor:

The best pathway is the one that suits you best! T Levels are career-focused qualifications designed by employers, made up of 80% classroom learning and 20% workplace experience, helping prepare people for the world of work. T Levels (available in subjects such as engineering & manufacturing, digital production, design & surveying, and building services engineering) are equivalent to 3 A Levels. Apprenticeships combine on-the-job training with study and can be taken in a range of areas including digital, design, manufacturing, construction, the environment, transport and power. Apprentices earn a weekly training wage and work towards nationally recognised qualifications, spending the rest of their time developing technical skills and on-the-job knowledge with an employer in their chosen industry. A Levels tend to be exam-based qualifications which involve classroom learning and independent study. They involve critical thinking and analysis. Any of these pathways can lead onto a degree, a Higher/Degree Apprenticeship, or directly into employment.

Rohinee:

I think many core engineering skills will remain important, for example relevant technical skills and being able to collaborate well in multidisciplinary teams. Communicating effectively with people from different backgrounds is always important because engineers have to work with other engineers, clients and stakeholders, and also the public and end users of what they are designing, to make sure the outcomes focus on what people need. As there will be lots of changes in terms of new technology and becoming digital, it will be important to be adaptable, learn quickly and be able to analyse and make decisions using data.

Emily:

One of the key characteristics that has made me a successful engineer is my willingness to learn from colleagues with many more years of engineering experience and never being afraid to ask questions. Within my engineering role, I often work alone, but also as part of a team. Teamwork and good communication skills aid becoming a successful engineer. I update others on my progress and successes, but also communicate when I have difficulties. Finally, I take a logical and methodical approach to my engineering apprenticeship; organisation helps me complete qualifications for my apprenticeship and structure each workday effectively.

Catrina:

I believe that the key skills and characteristics that make a successful engineer involve feeling at ease when faced with different types of problems. For example, being able to organise complex challenges into smaller, more manageable tasks helped me with analysis and debugging, which helped me think of different ways of solving a problem. Furthermore, I think that strong communication skills are crucial for teamwork, whilst being curious and asking questions has been really useful for me. In my opinion, a combination of having a passion for continuous learning and good communications skills will help you succeed as an engineer.

Lucy:

Every creative technologist is different, and that is one of the first most important characteristics to nurture. You should be inquisitive and intuitive to the work you make. The more you develop your identity and style, the more agency and confidence you will have in your field. As a creative technologist you need creative skills such as conceptualisation, design, visual and/or sound that compliment your technical abilities. You should be an avid problem solver and always looking to update your skillset. There will be new technology trends, software and apis that require innovative creative development. Don’t stand in one place for too long!

Stuart:

The best innovation has been YouTube available on Smartphones. The best part is the educational content, and especially installation and instruction manuals. These video explainers have allowed people to safely repair things from bikes to wind turbines. I find that you can learn at your own speed, and the animations, diagrams, instructions, maths and other difficult stuff can be explained thoroughly. My favourite is Cognito, which is able to explain science topics that I missed or didn’t understand when I was at school. Even Surds become understandable!

Catrina:

What excites me about an engineering career are the abundant opportunities it offers. It’s a field that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds, offering diverse entry points through apprenticeships, A Levels, degrees, and training. With its wide range of roles, ranging from technical to creative, you don’t have to excel in a specific subject to become an engineer; I firmly believe that anyone can develop the skills to excel in this field. What keeps my passion alive is the constant learning; I discover something new with each task I undertake. For me, this ongoing growth makes engineering a truly rewarding career.

Rohinee:

I am a civil engineer, and something I think is exciting about the job is the act that every day is different and challenges you with new problems to solve. There are also so many opportunities for engineers to contribute to global issues like decarbonisations, providing access to energy and water, and resilience to extreme events. Engineering also isn’t just about technical work and calculations, it allows you to develop so many different skills and choose from different career pathways, which means there will always be opportunities to learn new things.

Catrina:

In 10 years, I think it’s unpredictable how far software engineering will have evolved, but it is clear to me that the growth of AI and machine learning technologies will be vital in enhancing customer experiences. This will create more opportunities to learn new technologies and to support developers in their day-to-day roles. My wish is that the industry responds more proactively to climate change by fostering more energy-efficient infrastructure. Ultimately, I believe that adapting to constant change and keeping up to date with the latest technological advancements will be essential to remain impactful in my job.

Chloe:

Despite only entering into the industry last year, I am continually learning everyday to keep up with the evolving world around us. Climate change and the need for sustainable developments are driving the latest industrial revolution and as engineers, we must face up to this challenge and deliver it. To ensure the sustainable changes we make are lasting, however, we need to encourage the next generation of diverse engineers to carry these projects forward. Innovation is at the heart of solving any challenge, so engineers must be equipped with both the technical and wider softer skills required to create these.

Mike:

The International Space Station (ISS) utilises photovoltaics to capture solar energy and converts this to electricity for use across the station. There is quite an interesting ‘Owners’ Workshop Manual’ for the International Space Station available by David Baker.

Mike:

I am designing a satellite that will harvest solar energy in Space, and convert it to microwave energy for transmission back to Earth. The distance that the energy can be transmitted, and the accuracy that it can be pointed is related to the size of the satellite and the size of the receiving station. Theoretically we could use the same design to send power into space, but the size of the receiving station is Space would have to be very large!

Mike:

Mike:

Interpreting ‘system’ as a Space Based Solar Power (SBSP) system, then absolutely yes; there are multiple use cases where the energy harvesting and transmission satellite is located in space and the rectifying antenna (rectenna) is located in space (either free flying, lunar surface mounted, space craft mounted etc). However, with the Net Zero aspirations the primary use case being explored currently is to use a terrestrial surface mounted rectifying antenna for capturing the transmitted microwave energy.