Hannah Smith

Chemical Engineering is relevant in many aspects of modern life, from filling up your car to drinking your morning coffee.

The broader aspects of my engineering degree were helpful to me in the construction industry. I was able to learn many valuable lessons in my course, such as the wider application of safety and risk management principles, practical surveying, recording and reporting skills, and software skills such as Microsoft Office and computer aided design programs.

I found that many of the specifics of my job were learnt as I gained experience, but the key interpersonal skills from a degree, such as teamwork, leadership and communication, are invaluable whichever career path you choose. The transferable skills, opportunities and experience you gain from your degree at Loughborough University make an exciting variety of careers available to you.

Post 16 Education: A Levels Maths, Further Maths, Chemistry & Physics

Higher Education: BEng Chemical Engineering

Why did you choose to study Chemical Engineering?

I really enjoyed my A Level subjects and knew that I wanted to combine maths and science for a more practical degree. Through career days at Sixth Form and talking to my tutor and teachers, I found engineering. My other interest is food - both eating and making it! At 17, my ultimate goal was to have a job at a chocolate factory.

I attended an Introduction to Engineering course at Loughborough in year 12. I discovered that Chemical Engineering could lead to jobs in the manufacturing and food industries, and decided to pursue it for my higher education.

Hannah’s experience as a student

I chose Loughborough University because they were one of the top universities in the country for engineering. I’d already stayed for the weekend to do the Introduction to Engineering course, and I loved the campus and the atmosphere. I had a fantastic first year, and particularly enjoyed staying in halls. It was a great way to meet new people and make friends, and freshers week was full of engaging activities that I will remember (or struggle to remember!) for a long time to come. I am a terrible skier and snowboarder, but I became involved with the Sno Society after the Winter Trip (a skiing trip to France open to the whole university). It is lovely to be included in a society full of like-minded people, and there were plenty of competitions, practices and socials to fill my time!

Most of my time at university was different to my friends because I had my first daughter at the end of my second year. However, the Chemical Engineering department were so supportive, and made accommodations so that I could complete my second year experiments and exams whilst pregnant. In my final year, my daughter attended the campus nursery while I went to my lectures. It was lovely to know that she was on campus while I was, and being well looked after! No matter where you come from or what your situation is, Loughborough University is such an inclusive community of people that you will enjoy yourself and create friendships, memories and connections to last a lifetime.

Hannah’s Career

After uni I got a job in the construction industry as a project manager. I had to be flexible choosing a job because I was also the main carer for my two daughters - so I had to consider my working hours, commute time, and childcare. I was lucky to find a job nearby in a small, family-run company who shared my values (and sense of humour!).

The great thing about my engineering degree is that I can apply the skills and knowledge I learned to a seemingly unrelated roles; for example, the AutoCAD skills I’d gained at uni were useful in producing product specification drawings.

I thoroughly enjoyed working for a smaller company as it gave me the chance to take on more responsibility for my projects, and I had a varied workload which included travelling for site visits. Unfortunately, I had to leave that job when I moved back to my home town, and I am currently homeschooling my two daughters full time. This brings its own unique and fun challenges, but I am looking forward to getting back into work when the opportunity arises.