What inspired you to study engineering?

Just about every part of my background has been geared towards engineering, from disassembling and reassembling photocopiers at the age of 9, to passing Physics, Maths & CDT at A-level.  I have always wanted to understand how physical things in the world work.

I have always considered myself broadminded and been reluctant to specialise, therefore I saw software engineering as a tool to gain entrance into any aspect of engineering.  Although (as most graduates will concur) I have used few of the specific skills learnt at university, the experience has taught me how to question the status quo and learn as appropriate.

Previous jobs

Outside education holiday work placements included network management with HSBC and limited work with a telecoms firm.  On my post grad I worked on eight industrial projects and visited around 100 manufacturing firms in twelve months.

Current Job 

I have been working as an associate on a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) between the University of Cambridge and Briton EMS (an SME contract electronics manufacturer) since July 2004.  My task is to transfer knowledge between the two.  The two-year project has been designed to fit in with a five-year business plan aimed at significantly increasing turnover and profit.  Therefore the project aim is "to develop and implement new business processes throughout Briton EMS, leading to improved productivity & business growth". Improvements encompass manufacturing processes, business management processes and management information systems.

What is a typical day?

It is very varied, most of my time is spent at Briton - a working day where I set the agenda, but I frequently meet experts in Cambridge and attend conferences or other PD events as appropriate. I try to spend most of my time out on the shop floor understanding, organising and implementing change.  If I don't then the change doesn't happen!

What aspects do you particularly enjoy about your work?

Working with a wide variety of people, whether at the company, university or at a training event.

How has your degree helped you with your work?

At times my degree has helped, but it is the plethora of industrial experience gained from my postgrad which has paid off best.

What Professional Development support does the company give?

As the company is an SME there is no "official" PD support within it, but I spend a good proportion of my time attending training sessions at Cambridge and elsewhere. I notify the project team of a PD requirement and research the options; the project team then gives the go ahead if it is deemed appropriate to the project.

Does the company provide a Mentor?

I have two company supervisors, the managing & manufacturing directors, and one knowledge base supervisor at Cambridge. I organise project team meetings quarterly (including a lead academic and KTP consultant), and technical meetings monthly, informal meetings are held very frequently (usually daily).

Whenever I have found a gap in my own knowledge my first port of call has been one of my three supervisors (chosen as appropriate), they then point me in the right direction so I can research the area under my own steam.  The network of knowledge at the Institute for Manufacturing and its industry links has proved very valuable.

Do you think this will help you work towards CEng?

Absolutely, the diverse experience gained from integrating my work with all aspects of an SME manufacturing firm is invaluable.

What are your future aspirations?

When I have gained enough experience and developed a valid business plan I hope to develop and grow my own SME.  In the current climate it may be best to take this abroad as manufacturing in the UK is forever becoming less competitive.

General

Has the IEE helped you at all through your studies or career?

The IEE accredited my degree, and I am now working towards CEng, so in terms of qualifications the IEE has been, is and will be of great benefit to my development.

Have you used any IEE services/courses/events?

I feel that I haven't used the IEE to it's best advantage but I always like to know what is going on in the engineering world and the IEE is now much more broad minded than it's name suggests.  The events and courses I have attended have been very thought provoking, I have brought many ideas back into the work place.