Thomas
Bradley

Why NTU…

Why did you choose NTU and your course?

I always wanted to be an engineer from a young age. When applying for universities my brother suggested Civil Engineering and he had heard NTU offered a really good course.

What do you think about the course staff? How do they support your learning and university experience?

The staff are excellent. Every single member of staff is an expert in their field and has an endless amount of knowledge to share.

Does the “real” NTU match what you’d imagined? How does it compare with your friends’ experience at other universities?

I think the NTU experience is one of the best in the country. The work-life balance is really good and the teaching standards exceeded my expectations.

How would you promote NTU to potential students in 10 words or fewer?

A great work-life balance with world-class teaching standards.

On Placement…

Have you completed any work placements on your course? If so, tell us about your experience – where did you go, what did you do, what skills have you gained and what have you enjoyed the most?

Yes, I completed a 1-year placement with VolkerFitzpatrick Ltd as a Site Engineer. I spent majority of my time at RAF Lakenheath which was an amazing experience and a really interesting place to work. I developed my soft skills such as, communication, teamwork, analytical and software skills, and many more.

How did you source your placement? Did you get support from NTU?

During the application period I received an email from the course leader about the position and applied. The interview was held in Nottingham in a university building, this made the interview process much simpler by not having to travel.

What is your favourite project that you’ve worked on during your placement and why?

RAF Lakenheath PUUP Project. This was a really cool project. I worked alongside the F-35 jets, which was a bonus..

Most importantly though, I learned more than I could have imagined in such a short space of time. The experienced I gained is invaluable for my future career.

What advice would you give to an NTU student about to begin a placement?

Get stuck in and don’t be afraid to ask questions!

Outside of the Lecture Theatre…

Did you find it easy to make friends and settle in at NTU?

Yes, very easy. Everyone is super friendly. You will find that everyone is in the same boat as you and wants to make as many friends as possible.

The Next Steps…

What’s next for you after NTU?

I am going on to complete my masters degree then I will be returning to VolkerFitzpatrick as a graduate engineer.

Has the employability team helped you plan for life beyond NTU?

I have not personally used the employability team much. However, I know people who found it to be a very helpful resource.

How is NTU helping you to achieve your career goals?

NTU is pushing me to learn as much as possible.

From speaking to friends at home, at different universities, NTU has one of the greatest pushes on placements and support for making these things happen.

Advice...

What top tips would you give anyone thinking about studying your course at NTU?

Try to make as many friends as possible. The ADBE social events are good fun.