OXFORD

ENGINEERING
ENGINEERING
Alim Thawer
Engineering Physicist,
Cambridge Consultants
Sommerville College,
Physics, 2014
WHAT: As an engineer working in a
product development consultancy, I
develop new disruptive technologies
within the medical space. 18 months into
this job I’ve worked for clients around
the globe and I’ve already been involved
in many stages of the process, from
initial concept generations to test rig
development, to design for manufacture.
WHY: After graduating and an internship
testing instruments, I decided I wanted
to apply my degree to the real world.
‘Engineering consulting’ had a nice ring
to it but, to be honest, I didn’t have much
clue what I was in for. Now I realise that
Cambridge Consultants has been brilliant
for my personal development. I was given
responsibility at an early stage and have
gained invaluable knowledge about
developing successful products in areas
that weren’t well covered in my degree.
My work spans almost every stage of the
development cycle and the technologies
involved are so varied: to me this is a
recipe for a very exciting career path and I
couldn’t recommend it more!
ADVICE: It is incredibly difficult to
know exactly what job is best for
you when graduating, so consider
as many as possible, however
tenuous the link may be to your
interests: you’ll probably find that
there’s much more to learn than you
realise. Definitely make time to chat
to people with jobs similar to what
you want to do - every interview is
a chance to learn, even if they’re
not successful. Also, remember that
skills from your degree really are
transferrable – the most important
thing your time at Oxford teaches
you is how to learn and apply your
knowledge efficiently, and how to do
it fast!
GETTING IN: We want to see how
you solve problems and your attitude
towards technical challenges. Having
a positive outlook on trying new
things outside your comfort zone and
working in a team are also key.
Corinne Stuart
Consultant Engineer, Randle
Engineering Solutions
University College,
Engineering Science, 2015
WHAT: Randle is an engineering
consultancy and the majority of our work
is automotive, mainly because Randle was
started by automotive engineers, some
of whom previously worked at Jaguar
Land Rover and McLaren. I contribute
to the innovation of new products for
companies who do not design in house,
analysis of designs that other companies
have produced, work as part of a team of
specialists on large international projects,
and develop independent products to be
patented.
WHY: I chose engineering consultancy for
the diversity of work you can be involved in
from the start. Projects vary in length, but
you are often involved in multiple at once,
which is a style of work I really enjoy.
PROS AND CONS: Small companies like
Randle want to train you quickly and get
you working on real projects (faster than
on a graduate scheme), and this is what
I wanted after four years of academic
engineering. I will also achieve Chartered
status faster than if I were on a scheme
due to the level of responsibility from the
start.
Working in a smaller company does
mean slightly longer hours and lower
pay than some graduate schemes;
however at this stage in my career
I value the experience and skills I’m
gaining more.
ADVICE: For most of my interviews
companies asked me to bring a
portfolio of work, this was comprised
of designs I had produced in my
third and fourth year projects, as well
as from my internships. This was a
chance to demonstrate as many skills
as possible, and provide material for
discussions. Use internships and the
practical engineering societies to gain
more experience.
TOP TIPS: Don’t take rejection too
seriously; sometimes companies will
not give you a good reason why you
didn’t get a role because they don’t
have one. If you know what you want,
keep pursuing it – this can be difficult
when starting, but as an Oxford
graduate people are a lot more willing
to give you a chance, so ask for it!
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