A NEW series of Alumnae Talks has launched for 2022/3, starting with a 2-part insight into studying engineering at university. The talk series brings together alumnae with current students, and explores how passions and learning connect to further education and careers.
On Thursday, Ana Opacic (2019) joined us from The University of Leeds where she is in her third year studying Mechatronics and Robotics (BEng), which Ana describes as a mix of electronic and mechanical engineering with computer science.
Ana talked about her love of problem solving, her A-level choices and choosing the right engineering course for her interests.
She showed students the projects she has been working on, from designing puzzles to the electronic firing of bean bags into a bin! Building a pinball machine is the project she is most proud of, learning how to program microcontrollers and working with sensors, whilst designing and building the structure using CAD and laser cut.
Her advice on choosing a university is to look at their areas of research expertise and see how it aligns to your passions.
Ana is looking to progress a career in the prosthetics industry when she graduates.
Head of Computer Science, Mr Bradley said “Ana’s presentation captivated all the students, and many of the staff, with the possibilities available when studying Mechatronics. The combination of mechanical and electrical engineering with computer science was fascinating, and Ana’s enthusiasm for the topic infectious. Ana’s advice for choosing the right university and the right course was highly topical for some students going through UCAS at the moment”.
Upcoming webinars
The second of the 2-part series looking at engineering follows on Monday 7 November with Charlotte Temple (2019) talking about studying Mechanical Engineering at Cardiff University. Meanwhile, an insight into a career in the creative industries will follow on Tuesday 15 November with Felicity Neal (2020) talking about studying Animation at University of Westminster.
The alumnae talks series is also a great way of helping students with general advice about choosing subjects, universities and career choices regardless of the specialism being discussed.
