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Graduate case studies

Graduate case studies
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Andrew - 
Senior Metallurgist

Even though many of our graduates will have progressed in their careers since completing a case study, they are still of interest to students who wish to gain an understanding of the world of work.

About the job

Main responsibilities

R&D, melt and cast specifications, failure analysis, continuous improvement, technical service for customers, collaboration with sister companies.

Typical day

Review of previous days reports and records - heat treatment, UT reports, NCRs. Determination of what special actions are required on individual rolls

What do I enjoy about my job?

The R&D work requires constant attention to achieve targets and is very rewarding when it goes to plan.

Also, the variability in the work is high as some issues take precedence. I like the autonomy where I have to decide how to allocate my time

Challenging aspects

Managing multiple projects and issues requires the full team.

Why did this area of work appeal to me?

I enjoy metallurgy and particularly the development of new materials

Skills/qualifications I use in my job?

Metallurgy, failure analysis, phase transformations, interpretation of available data

Training I receive as part of my job

Manual handling, grinding wheels,
Informally: the background to our existing grades, interpretation of specifications, previous manufacturing and service issues,


Career information

Brief history since leaving University

2005-2008 Metallurgist at Halco - producing rock drilling equipment

2008-2011 Mills Metallurgist and then Quality Manager at Thamesteel - a mini mill producing reinforcing bar and structural bar products

2011-present, Senior Metallurgist at UESUK

2012 - Became a Chartered Engineer with IOM3

Where do I see myself in the future?

2 week course on ultrasonic testing


Advice to students

My piece of advice to students

Generally, metallurgy forms part of technical departments and so is linked to quality and inspection. Having skills or experience in these areas is important. Also, try to gain experience of working in heavy industry - it does not suit everyone.

Other comments

University gives you a broad knowledge but its only learning on the job that fills in the gaps.


Last updated: 04 Apr 2013