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.

I am currently the principle engineer in Active Vibration Technologies at DTR. I manage a team of five engineers that design and deliver active engine mounts to potential vehicle manufacturers. The system is composed of an actuator, mount, acceleration sensor and ECU which offers engine vibration cancellation in real time with feedback control.

I am head of the active mount team and manage this team and am directly involved with the requirement management, design (this is all the way to production), testing, costing and customer interface. It is a small team so there is always a variety of engineering work mixed with management.

I personally enjoy the design of the system, this is a new system to the company so I get to decide how this system works, it is unique for this business.

I am responsible, with the support of the company, to ensure that new business comes to the company. This is the hardest part of the job, because I have to convince the vehicle manufacturers that this technology solves a market issue and that what we offer is best in class and cost.

Getting to work with cars and understanding the concept of customer satisfaction. This new role also gives me the opportunity to manage a team which is something relatively new to me.

Matlab, Simulink, basics of power electronics, ECU design basics, customer negotiations, supplier handling, Systems engineering (this includes Automotive SPICE), basic C-coding, noise/vibration/hardness (NVH), engine mount design, CAN, PSI5 Protocol.

All software programmes have been introduced with training.

MSc in Space Technology and Planetary Exploration at the University of Surrey.

6-Sigma green belt.

System Engineer at Jaguar Land Rover.

System Engineer at McLaren through P-Tec.

Lead Systems Engineer at DTR.

Principle Engineer at DTR.

I have just started this management role but looking forwards, I would like to gather more responsibilities and try and ensure that my input will ensure the company's success.

I would say to understand the concept of working in an industry type of environment, ie project management, so that the person is ready to take of the immense task of progressing as an engineer in any company.

Never to give up on hope and always think that you are the person suited for the job and that you working in a company is doing them a favour as you are giving them skills that they did not have before.

With regards on how to get the first job, it is all about selling yourself to a point that you are needed to the company and not that you need a job in that particular company.

Updating your CV is essential, it has to be done at regular intervals and if you do not have a job, just get busy doing courses or internships. This will prove that you are proactive and shows that you are always looking for something to do.

If you feel uncomfortable about the situation do not worry there will always be a job that will suit you.

One last key point is always to keep as many contacts as you can no matter what you think about that particular person, I have learnt that the world is a small place and that people are always going to be involved in your work life.