Erhan Dumanuli
Alumnus
- Course
- Engineering Management BEng
- Subject area
- Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering
I chose Loughborough University after receiving a recommendation from a former teacher. As an international student, I took the time to thoroughly research the University through websites and videos before applying. The UK is renowned for its structured approach to education and its long-standing expertise in engineering. What really caught my attention was the Engineering Management degree, which is not commonly offered by many UK Universities. Additionally, Loughborough University’s exceptional facilities for both sports and engineering were a major factor in my decision.
As an international student, I found Loughborough to be friendly, welcoming and diverse, which made settling into University life much easier, especially since I was living away from home. The international student community is very proactive in organising events each year, which helped create a strong sense of belonging. I was also fortunate to meet students from my home country and we’ve since become lifelong friends.
Loughborough University offers modern engineering facilities and extensive IT and computer resources, all readily available when needed. I also made the most of the excellent library and sports facilities, which were key in maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle. I was an active participant in the MyLifeStyle sessions, which are casual sports activities available for anyone interested on campus. They range from football to swimming to squash, providing an excellent way to unwind from studies and connect with fellow students.
On the Engineering Management course, the academic and technical staff create a strong sense of community, always eager to help and provide valuable support. The lectures were interactive and engaging, which made the learning experience both enjoyable and supportive. Additionally, the course representatives created a platform for us to raise concerns and voice our opinions, to ensure there was always improvements to the student experience.
During my degree, the practical coursework was especially valuable as it provided hands-on experience with CNC machinery, advanced 3D printers and metrology technology, amongst other tools. We also learnt about key industry software, such as Python, which is used for data analysis, simulation, modelling and automation in engineering. Additionally, we worked with Matlab, which supports data analysis, system modelling and process optimisation. We also used Witness to simulate and model complex systems in manufacturing management to improve efficiency. This software is widely used in industry and gaining proficiency in them has equipped me with valuable skills that are highly sought after by engineering organisations.
As part of my Engineering Management course, I took part in several team-based group projects, collaborating with other ambitious students. This was both motivating and rewarding and it helped me develop valuable technical and soft skills which include building strong relationships, time management and essential communication skills, which I also further developed whilst on my placement.
Another key benefit of the Engineering Management degree at Loughborough was the chance to apply technical engineering concepts in a real-world business context through interactive lectures and case studies. This helped me to understand the role of engineers in the marketplace and why engineering solutions are in demand and so provided valuable industry insights. This practical experience greatly boosted my confidence going into industry during my placement.
To prepare for the placement interview, the Placements Team at the Wolfson School of Engineering at Loughborough, were instrumental in reviewing my CV and offering valuable feedback. I also took the initiative to arrange coffee chats with other students to gather their advice and insights, which helped me feel more confident and prepared.
During my placement, I worked in a Project and Energy Management role at BMW Group Plant Hams Hall. Through this experience, I was involved in managing the facilities and IT. I used Power BI and SAP software to manage the business operations and to help support making informed decisions. My placement experience helped me clarify what type of role I wished to pursue for my future career.
I have enjoyed working on my final year project because I chose the themes of Management and Technology, with a focus on global trends in AI. I chose these themes due to my interest in how AI is shaping industries and its potential to drive innovation in management practices. Through this project I developed strong academic research and presentation skills, which will help me to communicate complex ideas. It will also provide me with valuable insights into how AI can impact businesses and technology management.
My career aspirations are to pursue postgraduate studies to further deepen my engineering knowledge, with the goal of eventually joining an engineering consulting firm.
For anyone considering Engineering Management, my advice would be to think about how the course aligns with your career goals, as this will make your learning experience more meaningful. Building strong relationships with fellow students is also crucial for success, it makes the learning process more enjoyable and opens doors to gaining additional knowledge and skills from others.
Also, given how competitive the job market is, it's essential to keep learning and constantly find ways to enhance your knowledge and skills. For instance, deepening your understanding of mathematics or developing your coding skills will help you stand out in engineering roles within the industry.