Life after graduation: shaping a successful career

University is such an important time of your life and can set you up for an amazing career in your dream job. Read all about Olyvia, her experience studying BEng Aerospace Engineering with Industrial Placement and what came next. 

Since graduating from university, Olyvia has started her career at Leonardo UK Ltd as a Graduate Systems Engineer and is inspiring the engineers of the future. Find out in her own words how she spent her time at the University of Nottingham.  

What attracted you to studying engineering? 

I was always interested in how things work, and I wanted to have a career that kept me engaged. The idea of being bored in a job which you spend most of your life in terrified me. There are so many different routes you can take in engineering, so I thought, "Ah, with this, I'll never get bored."  

Why did you choose to study at the University of Nottingham? 

I already knew of their credentials, otherwise, I wouldn't have applied in the first place.  

I got an offer and thought that I should go and look at the campus. Walking around, it was a miserable day, but it didn't defer from the positive atmosphere that was apparent everywhere, including during my "Welcome to Aerospace" talks (big up lecturer Kathy Johnson, always the most enthusiastic person in the room). 

I felt instantly comfortable in Nottingham, and it was interesting finding out the variety of clubs, societies and social activities I could do inside and outside the campus. Long story short, I could see myself living there for 4 years - a home away from home. 

The module variety of my course gave me a flavour of the multiple streams I could go down after my degree. I could focus on mechanical, or electrical and electronics engineering, or aerodynamics. Studying aerospace didn't trap me in a box, instead, I gained more options.  

What were the lecturers like? 

I had very attentive and engaged lecturers. I loved the small class size for my first two years, it easily allowed me to get in touch with my lecturers. I am a slow learner, so being able to contact them for help often was really useful for me. 

How did your time at the University of Nottingham help shape your career choice?  

The careers team for engineering was great. I got my CV checked multiple times, with good feedback. I even had the opportunity to enroll in an extra module called Employability for Engineers. My lecturers gave me good advice when it came to me applying for both placements and post-grad jobs. 

When I first started at Nottingham, I wasn't signed up for a placement year. However, halfway through my first year, I was encouraged to do one. I was unwilling at first because finding a job is a job in itself. Couple that with the many hours of lectures and individual study time, it was a lot of work. But I am so glad I did. 

I found a placement with Rolls-Royce, of all places. I never thought I'd end up there. Even though that's not where I ended up after graduating, it gave me invaluable experience that I still reflect on today. It showed me what I might want to do in my career. Before my placement year, I didn't even know Systems Engineering existed! 

What advice would you give to current engineering students at Nottingham? 

Go out and try stuff while you still can. Join clubs, meet new people, but keep on top of deadlines if you don't fancy those all-nighters in George Green Library. Engineering is hard work but it's not what your entire experience at uni should be about. I'd rather get a 2:1 and come away with great memories instead of a 1st with no memories besides the constant studying I did. Most importantly, if you need help, go and find it! Talk to lecturers and the careers office. I got so much help and I'm so grateful for it. 

Meet more engineering and architecture alumni.