Adam Jones
- Course
- Engineering Management BEng
- Subject area
- Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering
Loughborough University stood out to me primarily because of its Engineering Management course, which offers the perfect blend of technical engineering expertise and business acumen.
This course helps you develop versatile skills in problem-solving, strategic thinking, teamwork and more. Additionally, knowing the degree is accredited by both the IMechE and IET was a key influencing factor, as well as discovering the impressive list of companies that Loughborough graduates go on to work for, were key factors in my decision.
It wasn’t just the course that drew me in, Loughborough as a whole felt like the right fit. The campus itself is beautiful, with plenty of greenery and open spaces that make it a really pleasant place to spend time. There’s also a strong sense of community, which I immediately felt when I visited and while I’m not an elite athlete, I’m passionate about sports and Loughborough’s reputation as a top sports University with world-class facilities definitely appealed to me.
Sports are a huge part of campus life, creating a vibrant, supportive environment but there’s also so much more happening, from societies to social events and academic collaborations. I often spent entire days on campus, enjoying lunch with friends, studying, hanging out or attending events. IMS (Inter-Mural Sports) was a highlight for me, offering a fun and competitive way to get involved in sports while meeting new people. Overall, the social atmosphere made it easy to feel connected and part of a supportive and lively community.
The facilities at Loughborough are outstanding, everything is well thought out and they have all the tools you could need but what really stood out to me were the variety of spaces available for us to use - computer labs, lecture rooms, co-working spaces, you name it. These spaces were perfect for getting work done and staying productive.
I loved the variety of opportunities on my course. In my first year, I became a course representative, giving feedback to improve the course and building valuable skills like communication and leadership. The course also had strong links with industry, offering workshops and guest speakers which provided a real-world perspective. The hands-on projects were another highlight as they helped me to hone my team-working and problem-solving skills.
During these projects, we competed to "win" a project to supply SpaceX with parts in a simulated environment. We also worked on optimising a sugar factory's conveyor belt, building a computational model of a catapult, designing a "smart bridge" and analysing a company’s organisational structure so that improvements could be made.
The teaching quality at Loughborough was impressive because academic staff are passionate about teaching and genuinely care about student success, by being supportive and open to feedback to enhance the course experience. They go beyond just delivering lectures, creating an interactive learning environment that encourages questions, discussions and critical thinking. They were always willing to go the extra mile by offering extra sessions, videos and resources, when needed. I noticed this during my dissertation in my final year when I had a dedicated supervisor, who had expertise in my research area and were incredibly helpful throughout the entire process.
I also found the Careers Network very helpful when applying for placements, as they reviewed my CV and cover letter, as well as helped me prepare for interviews. Their insights and advice definitely played a big part in me landing my placement at IBM.
The level of support offered to students at Loughborough is exceptional, whether it’s for academic, career, health, mental well-being or housing. It felt like Loughborough was not just a place to study but a place where I’d be well taken care of.
One of my proudest achievements at Loughborough was reaching the finals of the McKinsey Solve It Competition, which challenges university students to develop a consulting project for a charity. As someone seriously considering a career in consulting, I knew this was an opportunity that could not be missed.
We spent a day at McKinsey’s London office, refining our recommendations and presenting to a panel of judges. Out of over 27 teams and more than 1,000 applicants, we achieved second place! It was a deeply rewarding experience to represent Loughborough and make it that far.
At the end of my degree, I was focused on pursuing a career in supply chain or commercial roles. After applying to several companies, I secured a position at Procter & Gamble (P&G), one of the world’s largest FMCG companies in their supply chain department. The strong academic knowledge I gained, the practical skills I developed and the excellent reputation of Loughborough all contributed to helping me stand out during interviews and assessment centres.
My goal moving forward is to keep advancing in my career, constantly learning and stepping outside my comfort zone—something Loughborough instilled in me. I believe this mindset, along with my degree, will pave the way for continued success in the corporate world.