David Hoffman MSc Space Systems Engineering

Southampton is held in high regard by other universities and employers alike, especially with regards to engineering. I believe a degree from this institution is one of the factors that will make me stand out among other candidates when looking for a job.

What do you enjoy most about your course? Why did you choose Southampton for your course?

I like that my course puts emphasis on the appreciation of the practical elements of spacecraft engineering, which, at the end of the day, is what employers in the industry value the most. I chose Southampton because it is one of the best engineering universities in the UK that conducts a lot of space-related research. I also was interested in the modules offered within this course.

How have the facilities available at the University helped you with your research?

I haven’t started my research yet, however I know for a fact that the facilities at Southampton are amazing and very well equipped. The centrepiece is arguably the Hartley library, which is a beautiful, historical building where you can work on and print your assignments. Despite the exterior from a bygone era, the library is very modern inside boasting computer labs, Wi-Fi, self-service book lending, study rooms with large TV screens and a great study section.

I’m looking forward to working with selective laser melting machines to create complex 3D geometries made of advanced materials with an accuracy measured in microns. Also, I can’t wait to use CT scans, electron microscopy and surface profilometry to analyze my creations and subsequently test them on shaker tables and vacuum chambers.

What are your current career plans? How will your time at Southampton help you to achieve your career goals?

I would like to work in the UK space industry as a systems or propulsion engineer. However I keep an open mind to other positions and countries. Southampton is held in high regard by other universities and employers alike, especially with regards to engineering. I believe a degree from this institution is one of the factors that will make me stand out among other candidates when looking for a job.

Moreover, the University organizes a lot of career and employment fairs where employers advertise their job openings. In this way, I can become more familiar with the work carried out by these firms and learn about the application process.

Lastly, the Careers and Employabilty Service offer free CV and cover letter assessments, interview seminars and preparation for psychometric tests, which are inevitably a part of the application process.

What advice would you offer to potential MSc students?

Go to lectures even if they are recorded because you can take away much more from a lecture if you are physically there and actively listen. If something is unclear to you, you can raise your hand and get the answer straight away. Also, being present shows that you care about the knowledge your lecturers can pass on to you.

Can you provide a brief summary of your time at Southampton?

I flew in to the UK from Bratislava, Slovakia, at the end of September. My arrival and the subsequent days could not have been better, although I was initially a bit stressed about settling into my new life! I bought a used bike because it’s a small city and you can get anywhere on a bike, and I regarded it as a healthier and cheaper alternative to using public transport. The place where I live is very close to the campus so I usually walk in. I live in a house that I share with three other students at Southampton and luckily, we get along with each other. My room is larger than I anticipated and ideal in pretty much every way.

As for the University, I have absolutely nothing to complain about. The whole campus looks beautiful and everything is there so I don’t even have to leave the premises most of the time. I signed up for the sports membership to have a more balanced lifestyle. My lecturers seem very knowledgeable and approachable and don’t take themselves too seriously, unlike so many professors at my former university! So overall it’s been an incredible experience so far and I’m very much looking forward to the future.