John Mageean MEng Acoustical Engineering, 2015

Graduate engineer – Bentley Motors Ltd.

The level of technical background provided by the course has been invaluable for my current role. From the job-interview stages, right through to leading multi-disciplinary projects, my engineering knowledge has provided the strength to perform effectively and build trust and responsibility in the business.

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

I started the MEng course in 2010, getting stuck straight into the studying, social and independent life of university. I took a summer placement after 2nd year and a 12-month placement at Bentley Motors after 3rd year, helping clarify the all-important career decisions later on. There was so much to experience besides this though, and I had some of the best and most rewarding times whilst living and studying in Southampton.

What was the highlight of your time as a Southampton student?

A definite highlight was performing with Southampton Uni Jazz Orchestra (SUJO, check them out!) at Montreux Jazz Festival. It was an ambition to play with this band from day one, so I kept at the sax, and it paid off in my final year. Joining societies provided great contrast to the challenges of the degree, and a fantastic chance to try something new, along with like-minded people. An important part of the student experience!

What did you enjoy most about your course?

The range of genuinely interesting applications appealed to me more and more as the course went on. Getting detailed expert tuition on topics as varied as loudspeaker system design, vehicle refinement, killer whales’ acoustic behaviour and earthquake-proofing systems provided the motivation to really grasp the engineering fundamentals taught early on.

What were your supervisors like? Did you find them supportive?

Interacting well with the supervisors was key to successful projects at all levels. Their clear and practical guidance and encouragement made it feel like a team achievement (although the responsibility was always in our, the students’ hands!).

How did the facilities available at the University help you with your research and project work?

Free training and use of equipment in the different labs and acoustic facilities proved essential to completing highly technical but hands-on projects (testing our prototype loudspeaker systems in the anechoic chamber, or investigating structural impact isolation in the Dynamics Lab, for instance). It allowed me to understand the mechanics of sound and vibration much more practically than in lectures alone.

What is your current role?

I work in a team creating and simulating virtual vehicle prototypes. Investigating attributes closely with experts in sound, vibration and vehicle dynamics, it provides an exciting environment to contribute to future high performance, luxury cars. The Graduate Scheme has offered me the chance to explore the different business functions to gain a fuller understanding of the industry. The opportunity of a placement at Porsche or Audi is also really exciting!

What are your career ambitions?

There are so many options and opportunities at this early stage, but I’d like to stay in technical roles for the near future. This is where all the theoretical and practical knowledge I gained in my studies is boosted by real-life application; I think the more varied I make this challenge, the better I can develop into a high-performing engineer.

In what ways has the course you took at Southampton helped to prepare you for your chosen career?

The level of technical background provided by the course has been invaluable for my current role. From the job-interview stages, right through to leading multi-disciplinary projects, my engineering knowledge has provided the strength to perform effectively and build trust and responsibility in the business. The University Careers Service also offered much support through industrial seminars and employability workshops, raising my awareness of the workplace skills I need to succeed now.

What has been your greatest achievement so far?

I was proud to be awarded a first class honours, which felt like all the hard work paid off. This was combined with a faculty award for recognition of my mark, an unexpected achievement!

In general, seeing each step towards a goal as a small achievement in itself keeps me motivated.

What advice would you offer to potential students?

During your time as a student, take (or make) the opportunity for a year-out, experiencing industrial life. It does seem like a big change and big commitment, but the direct benefits are invaluable. The amount you can develop, technically and professionally, not only helps your future career but also in the rest of your degree! It’s the best decision I’ve made (after choosing to study Acoustical Engineering...).