To be a Professional ("Chartered") Engineer is the main aim of most of our students and an accredited degree in Engineering is the first step towards this. This is followed by some years of experience in a responsible job after which a submission of a chartership application is done. We believe that our courses equip you for this later phase of your career. We give you enterprise and communication skills and our links with industry provide a foretaste of practical challenges. Part of this provision are regular lectures from industrial speakers and industrial conselors for civil engineering students. The University's Careers and Employability Service organises courses on interview technique and CV preparation, as well as arranging recruitment visits by employers.
The University supports local liaison with the Engineering Industry Training Board to co-ordinate the provision of vacation training in the oil and gas industry. This is encouraged, not simply as a useful source of finance, but as a valuable experience which helps in the choice of a final career. There is also a local STEP co-ordinator who can assist with summer placements.
A number of industrial sponsorships are available through the School of Engineering, providing you with the opportunity to establish excellent professional links during your time here. Many large companies offer such assistance at a national level and able students are encouraged to apply, as the associated training offers a very full introduction to real engineering.