Engineering AcademyGrace Sherry
Grace Sherry had her first experience at the University of Strathclyde when she was in her third year of high school, and she was selected to attend the Faculty of Engineering’s Engineering the Future for Girls programme. This led to her joining the Faculty’s Engineering Academy programme to study Mechanical Engineering. She is now in the final year of her studies on the MEng in Mechanical Engineering course. Read more about her experiences of study at Strathclyde.
Why did you choose to study at Strathclyde?
When I was in my third year of high school, I attended the Engineering the Future for Girls outreach programme. I had already considered studying engineering as I enjoyed maths at school but wanted to apply it more practically, however, I was undecided on which kind of engineering to pursue.
Throughout the week-long programme, we completed fun activities corresponding to each engineering discipline, of which I particularly enjoyed mechanical engineering. We also heard from current students and were able to see the University facilities which assured me that I wanted to study there.
How did you first hear about the Engineering Academy and what attracted you to it?
In my sixth year of high school, I attended the Strathclyde University Open Day to speak to staff in the Faculty of Engineering to get more information about the mechanical engineering course. It was there that I learned of the Engineering Academy. I attended an information session about the programme that afternoon and was really taken with the idea. In particular, I liked the sound of attaining an advanced HNC at the end of my first year and still progressing straight into the second year of the course at Strathclyde.
Do you think your year in college through the Engineering Academy helped prepare you for joining University?
I felt like completing my first year in college helped bridge the gap between high school and university. My classes at college were more similar to high school in their structure and the number of students per class, but encouraged more independent working than in school. This more independent way of working set me up well for university the following year which is much more self-motivated with very large class sizes.
Have you had any placements or internships during your studies, or had a chance to work on industry projects during your studies?
In the summer between my second and third year, I was given the opportunity to go to Brisbane, Australia and do a couple of weeks work experience at an industry-leading intercooler company that supplies all of the top levels of motorsport. I really enjoyed this experience as I spent time in each department of the facility, getting a comprehensive understanding of the design, build and production processes of the heat exchangers.
Over the last couple of summers, I worked as a data engineer in a racing team competing in the British Touring Car Championship. I got to travel around to different circuits all over the UK, applying the knowledge I learned at university in a real-world, high-pressure environment as well as learning new, more niche, software and skills not covered in the university programme. Since I have a personal interest in motorsports, this was a great experience.
Over the last couple of summers, I worked as a data engineer in a racing team competing in the British Touring Car Championship. I got to travel around to different circuits all over the UK
Have you studied abroad during your studies? If so then where to and what did you enjoy about this?
In my third year I spent a semester studying in Luleå in the north of Sweden. This was an amazing experience that I would highly recommend. I studied a variety of classes whilst meeting and collaborating with people from all over the world.
I got to experience a completely different way of life, with temperatures dropping to -27C, the cold was embraced with cross-country skiing, ice-bathing, dog sledding, traditional winter markets, and even a frozen harbour turned public park for walking and hockey playing.
Have you used many of the facilities that Strathclyde has on offer to students?
The University has an excellent Careers Service, which I have taken advantage of. I regularly receive emails about upcoming career events with opportunities to network with potential employers. I utilised the careers service to get advice about my CV and how to improve it in preparation for applying to graduate programmes. There is also the ability to book a mock-interview to improve your interviewing technique, which I think is really great.
What has been your favourite aspect of studying at Strathclyde?
I think the amount of student support from the various student services and the faculty staff themselves. I have also really liked the campus, both its facilities and location. Being so close to the city centre makes travel connections easy and only a few minutes walk from shops and loads of places for food and drink. It has been nice to see the investment on campus with constant improvement to buildings and the opening of the new Strathclyde Sport building and the Learning and Teaching building. Since it is located in the heart of the city, I particularly enjoy the amount of greenery on campus.
Do you think Strathclyde has prepared you well for your future career?
I believe that Strathclyde has taught not only the academic skills required for my future career but also the transferable soft skills, especially in the final Master’s year. Throughout the course there has been a variety in assessments, including report writing, group work, presentations as well as exams. This has developed many skills which I believe will be transferrable to the workplace.
Would you recommend Strathclyde to other people and why?
I would definitely recommend others to come to Strathclyde. The opportunities and support the University has provided me with have been great and I know many of my peers would say the same. There is a lovely student atmosphere on campus, there is always something going on. The University has a very student-centred mindset and is always looking for feedback to help improve the student experience and has a wealth of support services available.
What are your plans for the future following graduation?
I am hoping to complete a graduate programme to help me transition into full-time employment. I am aiming to work in the motorsport industry, hopefully travelling the world, working as a trackside engineer.
Further information
Learn more about Grace's courses and our Engineering outreach programmes: