Discover what genuinely interests you in engineering and technology

Neil’s multi-disciplinary background has shaped him into a well-rounded engineer from the nuclear sector to renewables and from a grid engineer to a design role in electrical engineering.

In 2009, Neil was awarded an Arkwright Scholarship, which provided opportunities for early-stage work experience and mentorship in the industry: ‘the combination of these various experiences, coupled with insightful discussions with experienced professionals in the industry at an early age, led me towards the pursuit of a career in engineering.’

Identifying what exactly makes you tick as an engineer

Neil studied for a Master’s degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering with International Studies at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, and Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. He then joined Mott MacDonald as an Electrical, Control and Instrumentation Engineer within the nuclear sector, working on projects and consultancy involving the design, construction and decommissioning of nuclear safety implicated electrical systems.

‘Your biggest challenge at the start of your career is identifying what exactly makes you tick as an engineer.’ For Neil, this means getting as much exposure to as many different engineering disciplines early on to see what really motivates you to be a better engineer: ‘you’d be surprised how multifaceted engineering is and where it can take you.’

He took the decision to seek out opportunities in the renewables sector and joined RES Group as a Grid Engineer, and later transitioned to a design role back in electrical engineering. This non-linear route has provided Neil with a wide skillset and varied ways of thinking: ‘I may have followed a diverse career path to-date, but it has helped shaped me into an engineer with a broad background of experience.’

Determined for a green future

Neil’s exploration of different opportunities has honed his interest in renewables and this is a truly exciting course playing to his passions: ‘The current race to a net zero landscape presents an exceptionally thrilling and opportune moment to be actively involved in this dynamic sector.’

The focus is on to champion a green energy future and drive more development in renewables and sustainable technology: ‘from studying the latest advancements in wind, solar and grid and exploring breakthroughs in energy storage, my goal is to be at the forefront of pioneering initiatives that redefine our energy landscape.’

Building connections through a multi-disciplinary institution

Neil has enjoyed the opportunity to attend numerous events, lectures and seminars through the IET over the years, offering the chance to network and meet ‘many new, like-minded professionals from different industry backgrounds that I would have otherwise not met’.

A past IET Power Academy Scholar during his undergraduate studies, Neil was also able to grow his network and gain valuable insights into the many routes available into engineering: ‘I was sponsored by SSE and got invaluable work experience within the transmission and distribution industry. This was possible through membership with the IET and taking full advantage of the opportunities and programmes that they offer.’

It’s something I benefitted from – I would like to give that opportunity to others

Giving back is very important to Neil. A volunteer for his local IET network with experience as a Young Professional committee member, he also volunteers for the Arkwright Scholarship Trust, aimed at encouraging school students to pursue careers in engineering through a scholarship programme.

From attending volunteer-led events at an early age and the mentorship and scholarship that has propelled his pursuit of engineering, Neil is keen to inspire the next generation of engineers: ‘I want to pass on my experience to young people and get involved in providing the same types of STEM opportunities that helped me.’