A recent Electronic Engineering graduate has already landed a top job and plans to start a master’s, after joining De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) through Clearing.
Andy Pohl, who graduated with a First this summer, is working as a software engineer at Conekt, a specialist engineering company with high profile clients such as aerospace companies and the Ministry of Defence.
Working in the software department, Andy plays a crucial role in designing, writing and testing embedded software and windows applications.
He was offered a permanent position after making an impression on Conekt during a sandwich placement year as part of his four-year course at DMU.
The 22-year-old said: “I couldn't recommend doing a placement year enough! It really helps build on what you have learnt throughout lectures and put it into the working environment.
“I picked up a number of skills too that helped me during my final year, including software design techniques and FPGA design to name a few.”
Impressed by Andy’s performance so far, Conekt have sponsored him to undertake an MSc in Electronic and Computer Engineering, which he plans to start in September.
Andy puts his success down to the good grounding he got at DMU, saying: “My degree really helped me prepare for my career through a large range of modules, from analogue electronics to embedded systems, all of which were taught to a high standard by experienced lecturers.
“Engineering isn’t the easiest of subjects at times, but it’s very rewarding when you overcome a problem.
“It’s also a very broad subject which can lead to different job opportunities across a number of sectors. I have friends starting jobs in the banking and business sectors, not just within engineering."
The combination of practical and theoretical modules on his degree, such as embedded systems, applied electronics and systems integration, was one that Andy found both enjoyable and useful.
His hard work and dedication were recognised twice by The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), which rewards outstanding students on an annual basis.
With just one nomination accepted per IET-accredited university, Andy scooped prizes in his second and final years for getting the highest average grade, 84 percent and 82 percent respectively.
Having narrowly missed out on his original university choices by one mark in his A-level maths exam, Andy decided against waiting another year to re-sit and instead looked into DMU’s Clearing process.
He said: "DMU really stood out to me after phoning the Clearing line.
"The process was a breeze and the people I spoke to were extremely helpful, so I decided to choose DMU. It was the best decision I have ever made!”
Originally from Rugby, Andy said: "I really enjoyed living in Leicester. It’s a very vibrant city with lots going on and I enjoyed the 'growing up' aspect of living away from home."
Posted on Monday 1 August 2016