Chaitanya Vikram Agarwal BEng Mechanical Engineering, 2016
Student (MSc Management at Durham University)
The Mechanical Engineering course at Southampton has provided me with a range of practical skills and theoretical knowledge which will help me within my career.
How did you find the transition to student life at Southampton?
As an international student, the experience of studying in another country was initially overwhelming. The teaching techniques were different from my country and required a lot more practical knowledge than theoretical formulas. The difference in the writing style needed was a challenge, but help from previous undergraduates as well as formative feedback from the staff helped in understanding the structure used to write.
Societies also played an important role as they helped me to make friends with others with similar interests outside of my course. My personal tutor was a huge help in understanding the course and helping me with any problems, or getting me in contact with the relevant authorities. The small tutorial groups gave me a chance to ask questions about particular modules and clear any doubts. Also, the hands-on experience of using new technology like 3D printing and laser cutting was an enriching experience. Manufacturing metal parts in the workshop was an experience I will never forget.
What was the highlight of your time as a Southampton student?
One of my favourite experiences was in my second year when I joined the Eurobot competition. Working as part of a team to make an autonomous robot was both fun and exhausting. During the last few days, we worked from 9am to 9pm at the Boldrewood studio. The only things that kept me going were energy drinks and crisps! However, the result was far better than what we initially planned. I really enjoyed learning how to design and build the bot.
What did you enjoy most about your course?
The most enjoyable part of my course was the practical work. We were able to learn about practical techniques and applied them to solve real problems. The tutorials provided the opportunity for personal interaction with the researchers in the field and helped to build up our interest in the subject. Aside from my studies, mechanical engineering attracted students from around the world. Within my course I was able to interact with students from a diverse range of cultures.
What were your supervisors like? Did you find them supportive?
I found both the teaching and non-teaching staff helpful. Our supervisors were understanding and happy to help and answer any queries about the course. We could contact them by email, telephone or sometimes even drop by the office for any advice or help.
How did the facilities available at the University help you with your research and project work?
The workshops available at the University were useful during projects. The staff were very generous and helped us improve as well as build the parts for the project. My final project was based on 3D image processing which required expensive software as well as hardware. The micro-visualisation computer suite at the University provided access to them. The staff at the suite were also helpful and provided guidance and support throughout the project.
What is your current role?
I am currently pursuing my postgraduate studies in MSc Management at Durham University.
What are your career ambitions?
I wish to join my family business of manufacturing steel pipes. However, in future I would like to expand the business and manufacture automobiles.
In what ways has the course you took at Southampton helped to prepare you for your chosen career?
The engineering course at the University of Southampton gave me an insight to the engineering side of the business. I learned the theory as well as the complex techniques used in production of the simple parts and how to use them. The wide range of knowledge I developed throughout the course has allowed me to expand my horizons and will help me in introducing new and more efficient methods of production.
What has been your greatest achievement so far?
I would say my greatest achievement during my course at Southampton was to overcome the fear of programming. After luckily getting the individual project which was based on programming, I read and learned programming and found it interesting. I now do programming from time to time to brush up on my skills.
What advice would you offer to potential Mechanical Engineering students?
I would suggest to make the most out of the degree by getting as much hands-on experience as possible. Use your free time to design and build something. Take help from staff; they have an enormous amount of experience and are happy to share this with you if you are willing to learn more.