Samuel Jackson

What is your current programme of study?

BEng Materials Science and Engineering with a Year in Industry

What A-Levels (or equivalent) did you do?

Physics, Chemistry, Geography, AS Level Geology

Why did you chose a career in Materials Science and Engineering (MSE)?

I chose a career in MSE as it is a broad field of study which can take someone in any direction they desire, giving them the opportunity and flexibility to find the perfect role for themselves. My parents were also materials engineers during their careers so it came naturally through conversations growing up.

What did you enjoy most about your MSE course? (If you didn’t do a MSE course which course did you do and what led to you MSE?)

I enjoyed the breadth of lectures delivered throughout the course, in one day of lectures I could have gone from composite materials to nuclear science. I found think academically challenging and rewarding as I gained knowledge about a wide variety of industries, materials, and techniques.

What is the coolest thing you have done in your career so far?

My Year in Industry at Airbus or summer placement at Rolls-Royce, both materials related. They really opened my eyes to the cutting edge science going on within aerospace engineering companies, I learnt something new everyday at each!

What do you see yourself doing in the future?

I see myself pursuing a career in engineering, hopefully retaining some aspect of materials engineering within my work. I am also interested in more “traditional” engineering fields such as mechanical engineering which would be cool to get involved in. I would also like to become a chartered engineer if the opportunity presented itself.

What is your favourite material (and why)?

Composites, as they can be altered and tailored to a specific application. Furthermore, I am fascinated by the science behind the behaviours of the two, or more phases acting together as a single material. I grew up watching Formula 1 too so that has probably come into it too!

What advice would you give your 16-year-old self?

Make the most of your time! Get as much work experience as you can, whether that be at an engineering company, or fixing something at home; gaining valuable experience solving problems will help you in the long run and boost your employability for future employment or university applications.

Links
LinkedIn