Hishaam Ashraf
- Course
- Mechanical Engineering BEng
- Subject area
- Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering
I chose to apply to Loughborough because of the Mechanical Engineering BEng degree, the high-quality facilities on campus, as well as the opportunity to join the voluntary Formula Student Team.
The Mechanical Engineering BEng degree at Loughborough offers a comprehensive range of practical engineering content and theoretical learning, which I was eager to pursue, to prepare me for a career in industry with the goal of securing a placement during my third year.
With this in mind, I was also keen to join the Formula Student society, which provides hands-on engineering experience, teamwork and skill development. It also offers industry exposure, networking opportunities and encourages innovation, creativity and problem-solving.
To further prepare students for their placement year, the Wolfson School of Engineering placement team provides excellent support. Through the workshops on CV development, interview preparation and report writing, my confidence in applying for engineering placement roles grew. Additionally, throughout my placement, the placement team was always available to offer valuable guidance and support.
I was fortunate to secure a placement with Visa Cash App Racing Bulls F1 Team as an Aerodynamic Surface Designer, where I applied my engineering knowledge to real-world industry scenarios. The highlight of my placement experience was attending the Silverstone GP and seeing the car I had been involved with developing, racing around the track. It was a dream come true.
After completing my placement year, I felt much more confident going into my final year of studies and it helped me to identify the area of engineering I wish to pursue after graduation. After working as a Surface Designer, I realised that this is the field I want to focus on after University. I enjoy the fast-paced nature of the industry and the challenge of designing within a set of technical regulations.
This placement opportunity allowed me to gain valuable industry insights and further develop my technical skills in Engineering Design. My role also required a solid understanding of Siemens NX, a CAD software. The modules I completed in my first and second year, which included both taught content and projects using Siemens NX, played a crucial role in enhancing my proficiency with the software. Without these modules, my understanding of industry tools wouldn't have been as strong and the learning curve would have been much steeper.
The biggest takeaway from my placement experience was the importance of teamwork, especially in a field like F1. Throughout this opportunity I refined my soft skills by learning how to communicate effectively, how to plan, organise, and problem-solve (as I saw how problems are approached, broken down and solved), as well as how to work as part of a cohesive unit. These skills will undoubtedly benefit me in my future career and have already proven invaluable in my final year project.
My final year project required me to define my own objectives, break them down into key deliverables, and manage my time effectively to ensure they were completed on schedule and to a high standard. The Wolfson School of Engineering offered the opportunity to create my Individual Project in collaboration with my placement company, allowing me to further develop the technical skills I gained during my placement.
After graduation, I will be returning to Visa Cash App Racing Bulls F1 Team as a Junior Surface Designer. My placement experience has been instrumental in securing this opportunity and has provided me with a clear path for the next step in my career after completing my degree at Loughborough University.
My advice for Mechanical Engineering BEng students is to make the most of the software licenses and develop skills beyond your modules to stand out in industry applications. Join societies like Formula Student (LUMotorsport) to network, enhance your technical skills and see your designs in action at Silverstone, boosting your placement prospects.
Employers are looking for well-rounded individuals with a strong drive for continuous self-improvement. Taking the initiative to expand your knowledge beyond your course will greatly benefit anyone seeking a placement. During my placement, I applied this mindset by actively seeking to broaden my understanding of the departments related to my role.