Why did you choose to study at the Department of Design, Manufacturing & Engineering Management?
Throughout the duration of high school, I found myself to be equally logical and artistic. DMEM allows me to express myself creatively while also gaining valuable knowledge in the fields of both engineering and manufacturing.
Why did you choose to study your course?
I have always been a huge fan of innovative products, from new footwear to the latest technologies. I chose to study Product Design Engineering to learn how to design equally innovative and successful products.
Can you tell us about any opportunities or internships you have had during your studies?
If you had asked me in my first year of University what kind of companies I would like to work for after graduating, I would have answered with companies like Adidas and Apple.
After completing a summer internship with Safehinge in Glasgow, I was lucky enough to be offered a 6 month internship with Adidas in Germany, working as part of their product development team for football footwear. I am a huge fan of football and footwear, so being able to combine these interests with what I study at university was truly a dream come true.
At Adidas I was working as part of the product development team which is essentially responsible for engineering Adidas’ football boot range. A typical day would consist of me working collaboratively with the marketing and design teams in order to bring ideas to life. I would also be involved in the coordination of product manufacture in Asia where both prototypes and final products are made.
In March, I began a 6 month internship with Apple in California. Apple, is for me, one of, if not the best product design company in the world so working here at first was a very surreal experience.
I am working as a Development Engineer in Apple’s Soft Goods department. My role is to work with industrial designers to build and create sophisticated prototypes. After 3 months I have learned a huge amount which I don’t believe I could have learned anywhere else. Unfortunately, Apple’s famous secrecy policy prevents me from giving more details as to what I am actually working on before the product’s public release.
What are your ambitions following the completion of your course?
Upon graduating I would like to continue working at a company similar to Adidas or Apple. Pushing innovation is what interests me and regardless of the industry, I will be happy working at a company that is pushing the boundaries of product innovation.
What advice would you give to someone considering coming to study at the Department of Design, Manufacturing & Engineering Management and the University of Strathclyde?
If you are creative and have a passion for products, I would strongly recommend studying in the Department of Design, Manufacturing and Engineering Management at the University of Strathclyde. The Product Design Engineering course in particular has set me up perfectly for a year in industry, where I was able to fully understand typical product development processes.