Our graduates: Ali Parendeh

Ali Parendeh graduated in 2015 with his MEng in Mechanical Engineering. Discover how studying at the University of Sheffield led to Ali's exciting career as a Systems Engineering Consultant.

Graduate timelines: Ali Parendeh

Sheffield graduates achieve amazing things across the globe, using their degrees to make a positive impact on society and change the world for the better. Ali Parendeh graduated in 2015 with his MEng in Mechanical Engineering. He currently works as a Systems Engineering Consultant.

Meet our International Ambassador: Karim Almahayni

Hey there, my name is Karim Almahayni and I’m a first year Chemical Engineering student. I’m originally Syrian, but I live in Germany, and this is my first year here in Sheffield. You’re probably asking yourself loads of questions, on what to study or where to study at, it’s normal to be worried, I’ve been in this situation before and I understand how confusing taking such a life changing decision could be, that’s why I thought I’d give you a quick glance of what it is like to study at The University of Sheffield.

Why the University of Sheffield?

Well, other than being a part of Russell group and a world top 100 university, The University of Sheffield has one of the biggest engineering departments in the UK, that undergo world class research at one of the most high technological facilities in the UK, The Diamond. The University is well known for its investments in education and research. Sheffield University has large industrial partners such as Boeing, Siemens, and Rolls Royce.

Why Chemical Engineering?

Hmm I’ve been asked this question a lot lately well, I think Chemical Engineering is a part of every industrial process you might think of. Many misunderstand the concept of Chemical Engineering module and link it only to the oil industry, whereas the module is a main brick in the food, pharmaceuticals, and renewables industries. The module is based on applying engineering skills based on physical chemistry knowledge. On the other hand, Chemical engineers are the highest paid engineers. The University of Sheffield, offers a variety of Chemical engineering courses, some of which are specific (MEng, 4 year courses), and others of which are more generic (BEng, 3 year courses).The first 3 years are the same for both BEng and MEng, it’s just that the MEng courses have an extra year where you do research in a field that interests you. MEng courses can also include a year abroad or a year in industry.

Social life at Sheffield:

Worried about not integrating with a new culture? The University of Sheffield is the base of the best student union in the UK. Sheffield’s student union fosters more than 300 different societies, so whatever you’re interested in, you’ll definitely find your group. The University of Sheffield is a place where everyone is welcomed and treated equally regardless their religious beliefs, ethnic origin, or sexual orientation. Sheffield is also known for its international character, which makes its multicultural campus a great place to socialize with people from all around the world and learn more their traditions.

Advice?

Although studying abroad may seem like a hard choice to take, but trust me it’s one of the best decisions you’ll ever make, it’s a boost to your knowledge and an investment in your future. The University of Sheffield provides the best social, and educational environment to help you develop yourself, and between an all-nighter at the Diamond and a late night social at the union you’ll definitely have the best of both worlds.

Meet our International Engineering Ambassador: Muhammad Aqil bin Zainudin

Name                    : Muhammad Aqil bin Zainudin

Course                  : Civil and Structural Engineering (MEng)

Nationality             : Malaysian

Who am I?

                Name, done. Nationality, done (you can guess where I am from, it’s Malaysia). If you are still reading seems that you are interested in me and you wanted to know more. Heads up, I am a 20 years old proud married man, yes you heard me right. I’m married to my lovely wife. So you can expect me to be very matured and visionary. ‘Strive forward and conquer all’ is always my motto but fret not, I am not a dictator nor a selfish person. Behind all that, I love to make friends, oh my, did I just use the word love. Not a typo my friend. Meeting new people, making acquaintances and forming relationships are the priorities in my life because I believe connection is one of the most important thing in the world to gain success. Furthermore, I am a hard-core coffee lover so if you want to be my friend, grab a coffee or else. Kidding. And last but not least, I am a sport freak. How freak? Let’s say I can name the sports I didn’t play. I would say sports make everyone healthy and fit, yes I can’t deny that fact but I treat sports as something more meaningful, a network building platform which comes back to my nature, friends making machine.

Why UK and University of Sheffield specifically?

                Other than being the land of beautiful culture and history, I am a Potter fan. Flying here has always been my dream since I was a kid. And Sheffield? I can say that the living cost here is cheap, in fact the cheapest in UK according to a student budget website, look it up. Not just that, for you who hates the crowded hectic city life, do come here. The lifestyle is very calm and relax, you could enjoy the city centre without being shoved or pushed. But that does not mean the city is any less, top branded shops are here. I could sum up Sheffield is an ideal city for a simple guy like me, not too much or not too less. And the best part is the Peak District, a wonderful breath-taking view of the nature and it is just half an hour drive. Stressed out studying? Take a break and chill there.

                Here comes the serious business, my learning institution, THE UNIVERSITY OF SHEFFIELD. As proud as its name, it is. Providing the best learning environment for all students is like a promise here. You won’t be left out and if you are, you are something wrong. The system here is very efficient, you have the online learning environment(MOLE) where you can easily access anything about your university, course, email and any related services here. It’s a balanced learning environment where coursework is meant for your future and super beneficial and the lecturers are friendly, knowledgeable and career life-equipped (means you can ask for career advice and CV improvement, they are great at it).

Why Civil and Structural Engineering?

                Civil and Structural Engineering is not as what people depicted, boring and not challenging as other engineering branches. Do you see the city that you loved and enjoyed so much? The tall buildings that make your nation proud? Or even the water coming from your shower pipes? It will be my responsibility one day. You control the city development and where does the majority population lived in? Exactly, the city. Means you have the power to shape the society and not just that, the environment counts on you too. Companies need you, people need you, everyone needs you. I am in the first year and I am learning Autodesk Revit, Matlab and constructing bridges, I could tell you it’s superbly interesting and challenging in a good way. You are literally enhancing your life skill technically and socially. Moreover, you are expected to work in a group, not just between your course mate, but soon later in life, you will be working along architects, mechanical engineers, land tenure etc. I would say civil and structural engineering is an ideal course (just like me ;) ) where it will mould you into a holistic person in the future.

Some Piece of Advice?

                Do come to the University of Sheffield and enrol in any of your desired engineering subject. It will guide you automatically. Isn’t that so simple. I can guarantee it. Make your steps here and just follow the great tides of the learning experiences and you will be landed on a luxurious life island. Any hesitation contacts us, that is why we are called the Ambassador. Give us jobs, we love it.

Meet our International Engineering Ambassador: Akshit Sood

Name: Akshit Sood

Course: MEng Mechanical Engineering

Nationality: Indian

Can you tell us about you?

I was born and brought up in Delhi, India. I have lived all my life in Delhi before coming to Sheffield. I did my higher education from Ryan international school. I have always been interested in mathematics and represented my school at numerous mathematics Olympiads. My love for machines and design persuaded me to choose mechanical engineering.

Why did you choose University of Sheffield?

I chose University of Sheffield as it is one of the best places to study Mechanical Engineering and holds third position in the UK for mechanical engineering (according to the Guardian Guide 2015). The engineering department of the university is well reputed and known throughout the country for its excellence in education. Moreover, with companies like Boeing, Rolls Royce working closely with the engineering department, studying at the university enhances my future job prospects.

What is the most enjoyable thing studying your subject at the University of Sheffield?

The most exciting part of studying at the University of Sheffield is to see the application of different concepts learned in lectures into real life problems. Numerous labs and practical sessions ensure that we have the true knowledge of everything that is being taught to us. The new diamond building has provided us with top-level equipment which has given us the chance to familiarise and understand the use of the high tech equipment in the industry. 

What’s your opinion on Sheffield as a city?

My first impression of Sheffield was that it is a beautiful city with friendly people. My experience as an international student was such a mesmerizing one that I never felt that I was away from home. I was amazed to see the variety of people from different countries of different backgrounds, working together united in this city. From the nature’s gift of Peak district to the modern city center this city has lots to offer for an international student like me. 

Hobbies:

I always had great interest in cricket and badminton and I love playing them in my free time. Since living in Sheffield has given me a new hobby of cooking, I love trying new recipes and new cuisines. Apart from these I enjoy volunteering for the local organizations in Sheffield. I am a member of fundraising group for the British heart foundation where I help in organizing various fundraising events throughout the year.

What are your plans for future/dreams/goals?

My aim for the next year is to get a placement year in the oil and gas sector. After graduation, I plan to work in the oil and gas industry to gain industrial exposure and commercial awareness. 

MEET OUR INTERNATIONAL ENGINEERING AMBASSADOR : ASHWIN C ASHOK

Name: Ashwin Chithraveni Ashok

Department:  Aerospace Engineering

Course: MEng in Aerospace Engineering with a year in Industry.

Nationality: Indian

A bit about myself:

Hey, I am Ashwin Chithraveni Ashok from the southernmost tip of India-Kanyakumari. I am pretty sure you are wondering about my long name which is quite hard to pronounce. But the fact is that, guys with long name are usually more romantic and so I am: p. Oh brain don’t be distracted, please let me stick to these details. As mentioned earlier, I am a first year undergraduate student of Aerospace Engineering who enjoys the university life here in Sheffield. Do I really enjoy it? Of course I do.

What was your favourite subject in school?

I enjoyed almost all the subjects in my school but maths, history and computers were much close to my heart.

How did you decide what degree course to take?

Since I was young, I had an ambition in life which I wanted to pursue when I grew up. So it was pretty easy for me whilst taking the degree course. But later on like every students even I was confused about choosing the course between Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering. I was motivated further to choose Aerospace Engineering when I received the Armstrong award from my school (Excel Central School). After all, “Sky is not the limit when there are footprints on the moon”.

What advice would you give to people about to choose a university course?

I would politely ask you to do a lot of research of your own before choosing any university or the course that you wanted to pursue. This is because as a student we need to know about the structure of the course before we start studying. After all it’s your life and you need to take extra special care, as this could determine your upcoming future. “Today is the result of the actions you did yesterday”.

Hobbies:

Being a foodie by birth, I love cooking and eating new kinds of food. Since living in  Sheffield, I have learned to cook myself using the youtube videos and now I can cook some yummy Indian recipes. Apart from eating and sleeping, I love doing volunteering activities for the Sheffield volunteering hub and other local organisations over here. I especially, I enjoy the volunteering activities with kids which makes me feel young and dynamic. Apart from this, I love playing chess, volleyball,spending time at gym and dancing tamil kuthu style.

What are your plans for the future/dreams/goals?

My first year was awesome, fulfilling all the plans that I pre-planned before coming to UK. My plans for the second year are to get a paid internship which relates to my discipline and also I want to be on the committees of my favourite societies in the Students Union. My ultimate goal is to work for NASA and ISRO and then finally start my own business. 

Where can you find me in the University?

Usually aerospace lectures are held at St. George’s Church and Stephenson building. But you can rarely find me over there. Instead just check me on any social medias you use and if not somewhere in Students Union or Information Commons.