In my final year studying Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Loughborough University, I was focused on gaining industry experience through a graduate role. At the same time, I became interested in the MSc in Systems Engineering offered by Loughborough. Later, when my workplace offered the opportunity to pursue a postgraduate apprenticeship in Systems Engineering, I was confident that Loughborough was the ideal choice for me.

After having had such positive experiences as an undergraduate student, I felt a strong sense of loyalty to Loughborough. I was already aware of its excellent engineering reputation, top-tier academic support and experienced lecturers, that would provide the perfect environment for further study. It was also conveniently location close to home, which was a bonus for me.

The study structure whilst balancing work, varied depending on the modules but generally, we would attend sessions for a full week at a time, with some occasionally extending to two weeks. For almost all modules, there was some light pre-reading required beforehand.

This apprenticeship experience has greatly enhanced my skill set because the knowledge I gained from the postgraduate programme has allowed me to improve the projects I've worked on by applying systems thinking tools and systems engineering methodologies. I've also developed new skills in advanced problem-solving, stakeholder engagement and critical analysis. In addition, completing my dissertation has positioned me as an expert in integrating systems thinking and MBSE. Additionally, I now have a strong understanding of implementing digital twin technology and integrating MBSE effectively.