Case studies: Mechanical engineer: James

Being a successful design engineer takes a creative mind, but you also need the analytical skills taught at university to take a design from paper to reality.

I’ve always been interested in understanding how things work and science in general. While I was at college, I decided to move onto an engineering degree and further my studies. By the time I had made it to the last year of my degree, I knew I wanted to pursue a career as a design engineer. I had looked at jobs in the oil/gas industry but knew I really wanted something more focused.

I was interested in the design aspects of my degree and a small local company was recommended to me by the head of engineering design. I made a speculative application starting with a phone call and within a few weeks I had secured a job.

The company designs and builds mechanical mine field clearance equipment for the military and humanitarian organisations. There are approx 50 engineers working full time in design and project management roles. My job title is design/project engineer. The company operates in a way which gives you the opportunity to develop your design skills and still experience project management and practical engineering. As your interests change, so can your daily activities and future career path.

The mechanical engineering degree I completed was essential to successfully getting my job and practising my day-to-day activities. Being a successful design engineer takes a creative mind, but you also need the analytical skills taught at university to take a design from paper to reality, whether this is operating the latest 3D CAD and FEA software or doing structural calculations by hand. However, the skills I gained from real world experiences like part-time jobs, university clubs and placements have also given me a huge advantage.