Seyi Asa
- Subject area
- Aeronautical and Automotive Engineering
I chose to study Aeronautical Engineering at Loughborough University to take advantage of the quality of teaching and available resources. The course offers a variety of modules which promised a well-rounded introduction to the subject. As one of the oldest and recognised high ranking UK universities in engineering, studying at the Loughborough was expected to broaden my knowledge.
The lecturers are extremely helpful, providing supporting materials and help wherever needed. The teaching quality and modern facilities enabled me to broaden my knowledge in certain topics within this discipline. They allowed me to develop my technical capabilities and understanding of the field over the years. I also gained and developed key essential life skills such as teamwork, multitasking and interpersonal relations.
Academically, there were opportunities to have one-to-one sessions with lecturers which helped with the explanation of certain topics where I was struggling. The provision of the Maths Learning Support Centre (MLSC) really helped me to remember key maths topics that had been forgotten. The general wellbeing advocacy provided by the department and the university proved very beneficial. The university also provided timely and friendly access to a well-stocked library; whereby essential textbooks could be accessed.
The flight test course in third year was a great experience, especially getting to feel all the different flight dynamic modes. It provided valuable opportunities for other students and I to see the practical aspect of what we’d been taught in lectures.
Being a part of the 100 years of women engineers at Loughborough campaign was an amazing opportunity. The campaign aimed at showcasing the current female engineering students at the University. The enabling university environment has shown that there is no limitation to what I or any other female students can achieve.
I had the opportunity to undertake two summer internships. The first was at Rolls Royce Plc., where I worked as a development engineer; the second at L3Harris Commercial Aviation as a software engineer. The two experiences enabled me to not only apply what I’d learnt at university in an industrial setting, but they also showed the broad spectrum of the field of aeronautical engineering and that the degree really is just the foundation.
In the future, I would like to work towards chartership, focusing on the development of my technical abilities in an industrial setting. My Loughborough degree has most definitely helped me to lay a good broad-based foundation towards achieving my career ambition.
My greatest achievement was the submission of my final year and group design project reports. There were challenging times; however, the knowledge and skills gained offered me a great fulfilment and is one that I’m proud of.
My advice for anyone thinking about studying this course: Go for it! It is definitely a challenge but one that brings so much satisfaction, when you overcome those challenges and get to the end of the course.
Whilst at University, I have had a chance to be involved in a few societies. I have been involved with a faith-based society on campus and kickboxing in my first year. In my final year, I was one of the Women’s Engineering Society (WES) event coordinators. The society aims to encourage and support females who are studying and looking to pursue engineering as a career. These activities created an opportunity for me to meet other people outside of my course and really enjoy that ‘University experience’, which is more than the degree acquired.
Loughborough really taught me what it means to be a part of a community, where everyone thrives by working together to build a happier and sustainable world. The Loughborough experience has enabled me to become a well-rounded individual.