My Motivation To Follow A Career Of An Engineer

Unlike most other sciences which aim to explore how our surroundings function, engineering is the science behind the art of creating new things. This prospect of constantly delving into the unknown and untested is what initially drew me to engineering. My resolve to follow this career was strengthened during a rewarding week of work experience at the Rolls Royce Combustion and Casings Department where I found learning about the mechanics of the jet engine fascinating. I was particularly struck by how manipulating the natural environment of a component can minimise thermal damage.

Throughout my time there, I used the CAD software to create jet engine components and witnessed the importance of good teamwork: just as components in a device must work in harmony, different engineering departments must work seamlessly to create a successful product. Quality assurance and customer satisfaction are crucial. I saw this on my recent 2 week visit to Jaivel Europe, where I was allowed to appreciate how parts from cars to milling machines are taken from ideas to products. Taking a specific interest in the landing gears of aircraft, I was given the documents of how they both planned and produced the Trailing Arm. The detail that went into its creation was immense - the choice of: material, heating and plating processes and machining techniques were each carefully considered to obtain the part with the required properties.

I believe key characteristics of an engineer include creativity and the ability to apply mathematical and scientific processes to solve problems. I utilised these whilst constructing a 3D balsa wood bridge model based on the Pratt bridge design, for which i was inspired after reading How Structures Work. Upon scaling it up I looked at the maths behind my design to assess whether it was capable of transporting cars by calculating the tension in each section. Whilst making my 'steady hand tester' for upcoming surgeons, I appreciated the work required in product research, design planning, programming, costing, construction, and assessing the safety of my product.

Visiting Glen Canyon Dam sparked an interest in renewables which I explored by reading "Sustainable Energy - without the hot air" by David JC MacKay. This increased my awareness of the effectiveness of different forms of renewables, shone a light on the need for us to consume less energy and the technologies which may enable this. "Engineering" by Natasha McCarthy explains the roles and responsibilities of engineers; I understand how fundamental engineering is to all spheres of life and the resultant social responsibilities - engineers improve our quality of life. My investigation into artificial limbs at the Engineering Society fuelled my EPQ, "To what extent can the human hand be replicated by a robotic hand?". I found researching different approaches to creating a functioning robotic hand enthralling; whilst some favoured mirroring the mechanics of the hand by utilizing Spectra strings to replicate tendons and motors to serve as muscles, others leant towards using compressed air. It illustrated the fact that there are numerous solutions to a problem - the question is which is better suited for the consumer.I have dedicated my gap year to academics and gaining industrial experience. In my spare time I found learning C++ and how programming interweaves with engineering fascinating. I have enjoyed updating my blog (https://engineeringsaves.wixsite.com/website) which discusses possible ways engineering can help the environment and how said devises operate and my youtube channel (mathsandphysCC) dedicated to helping struggling students answer complex further maths and physics questions.

This June, I have applied to build and restore the infrastructure of the water, sanitation and hygiene in Tanzania for 4 weeks via Raleigh - a life long ambition. To fund this I have arranged to tutor students from January onwards to both help those less fortunate than my self and maintain my knowledge of my A level subjects, which I have also ensured by studying at and beyond my A levels - I have started to learn further mechanics and have delved into the world of string theory - a personal interest. During Sixth Form I have taken part in activities that have given me transferable skills which will be useful in engineering. Participating in my School's 2nd Rugby team, D of E bronze and the concert band have honed my team working skills. My ability to take charge when required has been proven by the responsibilities of being the Sales Manager in my School's Young Enterprise Team, a School Prefect and the Vice-Captain in our 3rd Hockey team.

Volunteering at a local tennis club for two years and being a tutor in the Maths Buddy Scheme helped me support, impart knowledge and communicate with juniors. Additionally school sport fixtures, weekly music and tennis lessons show me the importance of commitment.

My aptitude for physics, chemistry and maths (in which I attained a gold and kangaroo award in the senior maths challenge and merit in AEA, both in 2017) along with my work experience and further reading, have formed a strong basis upon which to study Engineering at your prestigious university. I understand the hard, demanding work of this career but appreciate the sense of reward it will bring; I welcome the challenge.