Product Design Engineering Personal Statement

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

Engineering has made an enormous difference to the world we live in. Throughout recent years, technology has developed globally through the effort of innovative engineers and designers who have overcome challenges using knowledge, skill, and initiative. In particular, the developments in design have captured my imagination; from James Dyson’s first vacuum cleaner, the DC01, to the recent conceptions of building an electric car in 2020. James Dyson has been a huge inspiration in my educational philosophy and future aspirations as I admire the way he has persevered and worked through problems to find solutions. Exciting developments in research and development of materials and technologies such as rapid prototyping and 3D printing have also fuelled my ambitions in this field. The current task I am accomplishing in product design has impacted my decisions about what I would like to study at university level, as being an engineer within the design sector is a career which I wish to pursue. After my degree, I wish to succeed in a career involving design and engineering. My goal is to be the change I want to see in the world, and I will do this by influencing and encouraging females like me who want to strive within a male-dominated industry.

How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?

From my engineering course, I have developed my capability in the workshop by operating a wide array of machinery whilst also developing my skill set in various other tooling and bench equipment. Product design has broadened my ideas from completing a lighting project in year 12 to now working on designing and improving a flyover in Chelmsford, incorporating both my passion for engineering and thirst for architectural design. The bridge design flyover has required detailed research work, and I have considered a range of solutions before deciding to add another lane, which will reduce the congestion around this area at peak times. The complex project has developed my design, CAD, and communication skills.

What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?

Externally, I have acquired work experience during the summer term at an architectural company ‘Munday & Cramer’. The time I spent there provided me with professional skills and attributes, using CAD in the office and giving me an insight into working in an engineering sector of interest. Since September 2015, I have been working at a local traditional sweet shop during the week and on Saturdays; this part-time job has built my confidence by enabling me to interact with customers as well as time management skills. I have been a representative of my school on several occasions by being a prefect in year 11, which involved helping with school events, such as parents’ evening and assisting teachers on school events. I enjoyed being a part of a team. This experience stimulated a desire to then become Head Girl in year 13, a role that has brought many opportunities so far in the sixth form. It has also required me to write and prepare speeches for open evenings and presentations. I have conducted tours around my school as part of my role and have formed a social committee, where we work as a team to organise fundraising events to raise money for the summer ball. I feel that I am a good role model for my peers and the younger members of the school community as I am determined to succeed in a male-dominated career. Outside of school, I enjoy keeping fit by running and going to the gym. I am currently training for the half marathon next year, which will be a big accomplishment in my life so far. The determination I am acquiring reflects upon my completion of the bronze Duke of Edinburgh award, a great physical challenge. It was also a great chance to be involved with voluntary work. I am confident that these experiences will help me fit into the course and university life itself. On a personal front, my Grandfather, who is a draftsman in trade, has also encouraged my career choice, and I would like to follow his example in terms of his work ethic and passionate interest in his career.