Sarah Jackson: Siemens graduate

Employer: Siemens Industrial Turbomachinery Ltd
University: University of Leicester
Subject: Meng mechanical engineering

My background

As part of my degree I did a placement year in the power generation industry. I really enjoyed it and decided that it was the right career path for me. I also found my placement to be very helpful when applying for graduate jobs – it gave me more to say on application forms and in interviews!

My job

My company designs and manufactures small industrial gas turbines for applications within the energy, oil and gas industry. On the graduate scheme I change departments every few months so my role and responsibilities change too. At the moment I work in an engineering department doing calculations and helping to prepare specifications. I will also gain experience in some ‘non-engineering’ areas, such as sales and marketing, to enable me to see the business from a more commercial perspective. I’ve also been on several training courses including ones on teamwork, communications and project management. These are attended by all trainees nationwide, so I have had a chance to meet graduates from other sites. My first appointment (my full-time job after completing the graduate scheme) will be in the performance group. This will require a good knowledge of fluid dynamics and thermodynamics. Effective teamwork is essential and I’ve learned that delivering what was promised, on time, is crucial. At university you are responsible for your own work and no-one else is seriously affected if you fail to deliver. In the workplace, other people depend on your contribution to be able do their own job.

My work environment

I mostly work in the office in Lincoln, although I am about to start a new placement that will involve much more contact with the manufacturing side of the business. Occasional short business trips, in the UK and abroad, are part of the job too.

The highs and lows

I’ve not had the opportunity to work at any customer sites, but I am enjoying building up my knowledge of turbines and the issues surrounding their design and manufacture. And the salary is pretty good too!