You never know when you’re going to be in the right place at the right time…but making the most of the variety of events hosted by ICE certainly helps.
Take every opportunity
You never know when you’re going to be in the right place at the right time…but making the most of the variety of events hosted by ICE certainly helps. With the economic climate as it is, it’s definitely worth taking advantage of everything on offer. Here’s just one example of how attending an ICE event helped one member get ahead in the engineering world.
Engineering Your Future
Alex Kirker (an A-level student) attended Engineering Your Future in Berkshire a month ago (a sixth form careers event organised by ICE, IMechE, IChemE, STEM Berkshire and Leighton Park School). As part of the day, Alex got involved in a coastal engineering activity run by HR Wallingford and inspired by his experience, he arranged a summer work placement with them. Here, he worked as a physical modelling technician for the Coastal Structures Group. The team was so impressed with him they said they would be keen to take another student next year.
Get that work experience!
Alex said: “As a technician, I was involved with the testing and construction of test-scale coastal structure models. I have learned about design process, sourcing materials, construction, testing and working as part of a team. I’m now planning to go to university to study either civil or chemical engineering. My experience at HR Wallingford has helped me greatly by giving me an insight into a company where engineers work alongside people from other professions (such as geologists and mathematicians).”
Work experience is a great way to get a foot in the door, and to show your enthusiasm and commitment to the industry as well as an excellent networking opportunity. So get in touch with the engineering companies directly and see if they’re taking on interns. There’s no harm in asking…
Your ticket in
All ICE regions are involved with numerous events each year. These activities can be a great benefit to individuals and the companies alike. It might just be your ticket into the industry!
It doesn’t matter if you’ve started your course yet, are in the middle of it, or already finished. Get involved with all the opportunities ICE offers - you never know where it might lead! Check out ice.org.uk/nearyou for events happening in your region.