Don’t commit to too much! - Learning from two weeks' industry experience

Sam Casadei, Cohort 2019

Recently, I was fortunate enough to complete two weeks work experience at Tribosonics, a Sheffield-based company that uses high-tech embedded sensing technology to provide powerful and targeted data to its clients. Tribosonics is using its technology to drive transformation in the transport, power generation, and manufacturing sectors.

My experience was packed full of new learning opportunities, both with practical data analysis, as well as cultivating new spreadsheets to help keep inventory of stocks. Bridging the gap between academia and industry is a crucial opportunity, and being able to gain feedback directly from industry is the fastest way to learn which skills hold the highest priority.

A Good Leader Is Not Necessarily the Smartest Person in The Room

Matt Thompson, Cohort 2020

The recent global challenges posed by the Coronavirus pandemic and climate change have focussed public attention on debate over what ‘good leadership’ looks like. This concept has been considered throughout history; the musings of the Ancient Greek philosophers on how best to lead are well documented.

Anyone Can Engineer: Inspiring the Next Generation

Anyone Can Engineer is a student-led project which began at the start of 2020 to address the inequalities and misconceptions of the engineering industry through engaging young people with engineering related activities. We began working after attending a SELA workshop on, “Finding A Career you Love” by Lisa Cox from Life Compass Consulting. 

Engineering Graduates for Industry: Rethinking our Approach to Skills Gaps, Context and Partnership

Jack Trethewey, Cohort 2018

It has been widely reported that graduates possess a noticeable skills gap upon embarking on their careers. In fact in 2018, Bloomberg created a study in which 200 senior-level corporate/academia-based individuals were asked for their opinions on four primary themes amongst students: preparedness, skills, collaboration and planning. It was found that as little as 35% of these individuals believed that students were well prepared with an array of soft and hard skills that they could effectively apply in their careers [1].

U Calm

Matthew Bate, Cohort 2018

There has arguably never been a time where such a light has shone on the challenges students face in managing and striving to meet their academic targets but also, in striving to stay happy, stay well and stay rested. Students around the country are looking for ways to support their wellbeing which is exactly why SELA Cohort 2018 graduate Matthew Bate is currently developing a first of its kind, entirely student-focused health and wellbeing service, U Calm.

How SELA has taught me more about my field of engineering

Mathew Boland, Cohort 2019

As a mechanical engineer, I have been lucky enough to enjoy a varied and interesting course. I’ve experienced everything from electronics to thermodynamics and material science, as well a boatload of physical mechanics. A lot of my experience as an undergraduate engineer has centred on equations and learning how to use them in an individual exam environment. These are really important skills, and help build the kind of understanding that is essential for modern engineers, but the focus is heavily on the theory. At Sheffield, I have been a part of some fantastic group work modules that focus on more than just the theory, on soft skills such as team work. However, it has been my time at SELA which has really reinforced my team working abilities.

Equality in STEM launch event

Ella Leatt, Cohort 2019         
     

After the challenges and experiences I have faced as a female engineering student, I feel extremely passionate about the encouragement of female students in pursuing careers in STEM, which is why when given the opportunity to attend the launch of the Equality in STEM Network, I was thrilled to attend.