Our Alumni
We have many alumni who now work across the globe in a range of different roles and we're proud to say their journeys started here at Nottingham.
Hakeem Dairo
Energy Storage Engineer, Jaguar Land Rover, UK
Electrical & Electronic Engineering, graduated 2016
"I gained the necessary knowledge and appreciation for engineering which I now use daily"
"My time at Nottingham gave me the necessary knowledge and appreciation for engineering which I now use on a day-to-day basis.
I would recommend all current students look into doing a placement.
Make sure you get involved in extracurricular activities!."
Charlie Sugianto So
Co-founder and CEO, start up technology company, Singapore
Product Design and Manufacture, graduated 2015
"I've started a technology company in Singapore"
"After graduating from the University of Nottingham (China), I decided to pursue my Master of Science in Management in Singapore.
Throughout this time, I was exposed to the tech start up community and I decided to become part of it. I started a technology company, which was also a spin off from a preaccelerator programme in Singapore.
We are currently in the development phase of building our industrial internet of things solution."
Craig Smith
Chartered Architect, Robert Doughty Consultancy, UK
Professional Practice in Architecture, graduated 2015
"Maintain a good work/life balance because your time at university is precious"
"I didn’t follow the conventional route into higher education, instead I studied two BTEC courses and worked in a practice.
When I wanted to understand architecture and building design better, I decided to apply for an undergraduate architecture course which I then followed with a Postgraduate Certificate (RIBA part 3).
I chose to study the RIBA Part 3 because it represented better value for money and was less exam focused than other courses."
Sophie Barks
Part Two Architectural Assistant, Hopkins Architects, UK
Architecture and Built Environment, graduated 2015
"I wanted to study something that allowed me to be creative but also had a practical side too"
"When I first came to look around, the campus was something that really stuck with me, it’s beautiful. Although it is a campus university it is also close to the city centre so you got the best of both worlds.
The Architecture course offered at Nottingham is also ranked highly with a great reputation, which was also a factor in my decision.
Enjoy it as much as you can and really make the most of the facilities on offer, particularly the members of staff there to teach and support you."
Alison Isherwood
Engineering Consultant, AJ Isherwood Consulting
Chemical Engineering, graduated 1997
"Don’t automatically rule out the oil and gas industry when thinking about future careers"
"I currently work as an independent consultant providing technical analysis on oil fields around the world.
Independent consulting allows me to work on a variety of exciting projects while having more flexibility with when and how I work.
The travel has been a fantastic part of my job, as well as multiple opportunities to live abroad , I have also visited remote places I would never have seen otherwise such as Equatorial Guinea and Kurdistan. The oil industry workforce is very international so you meet loads of interesting people too."
James Key
Technical Director, McLaren,
UK
Mechanical Engineering, graduated 1996
"It’s important to love what you do"
"I always knew that I wanted to be involved in automotive engineering and Formula 1, so I built my degree and career around this goal.
Have a plan of where you want to get to. I’ve seen a lot of graduates coming into F1 full of enthusiasm but not really knowing what they want to do.
Ideally knowing what engineering disciplines interest you most and then pursuing them would put you in a stronger position and give a clear idea of how you want to shape your career.
I specialised in vehicle dynamics and data acquisition at University, which paved my way into the industry."
Julia Cole
Performance Engineer, Uniper,
UK
Chemical Engineering, graduated 2014
Salters' Award winner 2018
"The Salter’s prize is awarded to students and young professionals that have been recognised for outstanding contribution to the chemical and chemical allied industries.
I was honoured to receive the award both as a student and young professional, especially as to be considered you need to be nominated by your peers. To get this type of national recognition proves that hard work and dedication does pay off.
My time at university had a strong influence on my work ethic, the way I was taught at Nottingham meant that as a student I developed excellent skills in teamwork and leadership as well as the fundamental engineering principles."
Kieren Majhail
Architect Associate, BDP,
UK
Architecture and Built Environment, graduated 2010
RIBA Journal Rising Star 2018
"Going to a well renowned university gave me an advantage when applying to companies
The course and tutors at Nottingham were very high quality and known by local employers to be good. I continued my studies at Nottingham with a Masters and Diploma. I also undertook my professional qualification whilst working in Birmingham.
Don’t be afraid of being a bit different, but always listen, look and read as much as you can and you will never stop learning!"
Marcus Waite
Chief Engineer, McLaren Automotive, UK
Mechanical Engineering, graduated 1996
"I was thrilled to help Lewis Hamilton secure the world F1 title"
"After working for Ricardo automotive as a NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness) engineer, I joined McLaren in 1998 as a Vehicle Dynamics Engineer.
I had always wanted to be a race engineer so was delighted to take up a technical role within the test team. I worked as part of the Kimi Raikkonen and Lewis Hamilton eras.
Don’t be afraid to seek support. In a company like McLaren, as you move through roles you make connections for life. Be open to learning from the best and don’t be intimidated – it will push you to grow and develop.”
Will Riley
Senior Associate, Weston Williamson + Partners, Australia
Architecture and Built Environment, graduated 2006
"I chose architecture due to an interest in art and science and I liked the idea of a vocational design course."
"Nottingham’s big urbanism projects and digital design technologies were instrumental in shaping my career.
I learnt some invaluable lessons about the story telling of design, the demonstration of clear thinking in a visual and explicit way, and developed practical skills of drawing, modelling and visualising.
Nottingham provided the freedom to develop my own architectural ideas and test them out within the parameters of the course.
Thomas Hlaing
Programme Manager, Rolls-Royce, UK
Manufacturing Engineering and Management, graduated 2005
"I'm currently based out of Scandinavia managing the improvement of 12 factories"
"I joined a graduate scheme as an engineer and was promoted onto the fast track management scheme afterwards.
I have done a number of secondments abroad (Singapore and Vietnam) plus worked around the world.
I'm currently based out of Scandinavia managing the improvement of 12 factories
I would advise students to do a year abroad, be willing and have an open mind"
Dr Carols Robles MSc
Director of Operations, Bombardier Aerospace, Mexico
Operations Management & Manufacturing Systems, graduated 2003
"I would recommend studying at Nottingham as it is a great University."
"I worked for 12 years in the automotive industry with Volkswaden and most recently, four years in Aerospace with Bombardier.
I enjoy setting the pace for the future of a growing manufacturing site.
I chose Nottingham as the programme suited my needs and expectations.
I would recommend studying at Nottingham as it is a great University, the campus is amazing and the life there is nice.
Enjoy, time flies!"