Meet Charlotte - Hardware and Mechatronics Engineering Graduate

What position did you start in and what is your position now? Please describe your current responsibilities.

I started on the Hardware and Mechatronics Engineering Graduate scheme last September, in my home team which is in the Sustainable Technologies Research Chapter. During my first 6 months I worked on a sustainable future transport project in research. Since then, I have completed a placement in the Sustainability Office and I’m currently on placement in Product Sustainability.

Working in various sustainability teams has helped me to grow my knowledge on how the different areas of the business work together to deliver on our science-based targets. Whilst on placement in the Sustainability Office, I was responsible for leading a project on vehicle targets. During my current placement in Product Sustainability, I have been working alongside teams of engineers to deliver decarbonisation projects for powertrain.

Are you involved in any other projects / networks? If so, please describe what they are and what your contributions are.

I am a member of the Women in Engineering & Allies (WIE&A) network which is a community promoting a diverse and inclusive working environment within engineering. I’m also a graduate representative for Research and an Early Careers ambassador.

What do you like about working here?

For me, I love the diverse and inclusive culture where everyone is welcome. There are loads of different networks to join and opportunities to meet people.

I also like the variety of innovative and interesting projects to get involved with and the emphasis on personal development. For graduates, 20% of your time should be spent on training. This has given me the chance to develop my own learning and attend engineering conferences, exhibitions and tours. These opportunities have helped me to learn about trends in the wider industry and develop professional skills.

What are your career aspirations? Do you feel that you get the necessary support from your management / department to help achieve your learning & development goal?

I’m currently working towards becoming a chartered engineer with IET. In the future, I would like to become a technical specialist.

I was lucky to meet a few of the managers I currently work with throughout the recruitment process. It was motivating to see how passionate they are about their areas of expertise. The managers in my department have always been really supportive of my development goals and have helped me to secure relevant placements

Describe your team / department, and what makes it stand out from our competition?

My home department in research have a strong team morale. From my first day I was welcomed into the team.

Within research there is an open and innovative culture, where everyone’s ideas are valued and recognised. The team have a lot of technical knowledge, they are experienced, and dedicated to providing creative solutions.

Tell us 3 interesting facts about yourself.

I studied Chemical Engineering at University. During university I authored a book chapter and collaborated on a review paper with BRAC University, both have now been published.

My favourite hobby is horse riding and I have loaned 3 horses.

I’m half Irish.

What hints and tips can you share with the potential candidates who are going through the application / interview process?

You don’t need to know what you want to do yet, be open about your interests and be yourself during the interview process.

Do your research, make sure you have an awareness of the company strategy and the Creators’ code.