Olivia from Firrhill High School in Edinburgh completed her paid internship with mentor Adnan at Heriot-Watt University. This is her Career Ready story.
Olivia’s Career Ready experience has helped her explore her interest in engineering and decide on a future path.
She was matched with mentor, Adnan Ilyas – an Associate Professor at Heriot-Watt, and Deputy Head of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering at the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences.
“Adnan helped me to understand the field of electrical engineering more and the world of work more,” says Olivia.
“He has helped me improve my knowledge of different skills and qualities required in certain workplaces and has shown me how to expand my network and taught me how to do things like coding and where to learn these things online.
“By introducing me to different people and taking me to seminars, he’s helped with deciding the course I want to do.
“I was unsure whether I wanted to pursue electrical or chemical engineering, but thanks to my mentor and the programme, my mind is now set on electrical engineering.”
A practical internship
Olivia’s four-week paid internship at Heriot-Watt University was “practical and versatile”, she says – helping her to gain experience in her chosen field.
“I started doing small admin tasks, like helping with events – and worked through to researching and completing engineering-based projects.
“My mentor and the university were kind enough to give me the opportunity to learn electronics through an Arduino Uno starter kit (a kit which takes users through coding and electronics projects). This is very helpful, as I learn by doing the thing.
“It has helped me gain experience in a engineering workplace, as well as helping with my confidence in pursuing higher education, a job and further projects on my own in the future.”
Olivia also met other teams and professionals at the University, including learning about robotics and technology, wellbeing, and what the industry is like for female engineers.
Planning for the future
“Before Career Ready, I wasn’t confident in moving out of school into higher education and similar out-of-school activities like getting a job,” Olivia says.
“Now, I’m confident in writing a CV, attending an interview and applying for university due to the opportunities provided through the programme.
“I’m studying my last year of high school, and I am planning to study a Master of Engineering (MEng) course at university.”
