David Gould

Why did you decide to study MEng Mechanical Engineering at the University of Leeds?

I have always been technically minded and throughout my school career I did well at science and maths subjects. Mechanical engineering appealed to me as it is a challenging and interesting degree to study. Graduates with a mechanical engineering degree have fantastic job opportunities and are well regarded by employers. Engineering graduates have the opportunity to make a real difference to our society by creating new technologies as we push the boundaries of what was thought possible.

What has been the best aspect of studying on your course and at the University and why?

The ability to work well in a team is a fundamental skill in industry. Teamwork has been an integral part of many of the course works and projects I have worked on. I thoroughly enjoyed the first and second year design and manufacture projects. It was fantastic working as a team to design, manufacture and race a buggy which we designed from a design brief. In order to build a successful buggy it was necessary to draw on engineering knowledge and skills learnt from all modules. Overall, the best aspect about the mechanical engineering course at Leeds is the way in which there is a clear focus on developing graduates with the skills required for a successful career in industry.

Tell us about some of the exciting projects you have completed so far?

The most exciting project I have worked on has been my 3rd year project. I selected the subject for my project based on work I had been involved in during my year in industry. I found a supervisor who was passionate and interested in my area of research. The aim of my project was to understand whether traditional prototyping can be replaced by new technology such as the 3D printing of parts and the use of 3D rendering. I was given access and a free range to use the brand new 3D visualisation suite. This was exciting as I was using the technology in a new way producing results which many people had not thought possible. 

What does Leeds as a city have to offer students?

Leeds is a vibrant large student City. Students have everything they could possibly need in Leeds and more. 

What are your ambitions for the future?

I aim to complete the MEng in 2016. I am very ambitious and I am keen to enter a graduate scheme at a large leading engineering firm where I will have maximum opportunity to impress and further progress my career. I look forward to a graduate scheme as I feel it will best prepare me for my future career. I am also excited by the opportunity to complete placements in different areas of the business as this will ensure I am able to best understand the business and I select an area I am most enthusiastic about.

What would you say to students coming to do the same course?

Be excited! You are starting a course which will be fun, rewarding and academically challenging. Work hard, but make sure you get involved in the wide range of extra curricular activities on offer. You will graduate with a fantastic degree, ready and excited to begin your career.

Have you undertaken a work placement?

In my 3rd year I completed a year in industry at Bentley Motors. During my year in industry I developed so many of the skills which are vital to employers. I worked on real projects and saw the positive impact of my work. I really enjoyed my year. It was amazing to have the opportunity to work on world class vehicles within a leading organisation. My year in industry reaffirmed my commitment to a career in engineering.