" Enjoying Mathematics and Physics at school meant that when it came to choosing a university course, Engineering was the obvious choice. I also had an interest in business and professional services but didn’t want to be tied down to one career at such a young age. Having researched all the different types of engineering I discovered that, of all the engineering disciplines, Electrical and Electronic Engineering was the most relevant in this technological age that we live in. If you cast your mind back to 15 years ago there were no mobile phones or Internet readily available and iPhones weren’t even a thought! Technological innovation creates and makes available so much of what we take for granted in our daily lives. The speed at which technology has moved is astounding and one can only imagine what the future will bring. Studying EEE brings you to the forefront of this exciting, constantly evolving industry and by pursuing such a career I am excited with the possibilities and opportunities new technological advances will bring..

The mathematical, analytical and problem-solving skills gained when studying EEE means that I will be able to turn my hand to almost any profession that requires them. Therefore choosing EEE has allowed me to delay making my career choice by a few years, giving me time to mature and decide what career I really want to pursue. Last summer I obtained a placement designing microelectronic components and this year I am applying for placements in finance, management consultancy and risk management. This proves just how diverse the career options are from this degree.

When I decided that EEE was the degree for me, the choice of university was easy. I had been offered a place at every university I applied for, including Imperial College London. For me, though, the University of Manchester offered both a leading academic record and an amazing social side. This is obviously well recognised as it was voted the Sunday Times University of the year, in the year that I applied.  The course is also accredited by the Institute of Engineering and Technology. After I received my offer from Manchester I applied for an IET scholarship and was successful. I receive £1000 per year and free student membership of the IET.

The course is extremely motivating, relevant and interesting and pushes me to reach my full potential. The staff members are approachable and always willing to help. Other resources include the newly refurbished South Campus library which has wide-screen televisions and beanbags where you can relax when having a break from study. There are also many computer clusters and fantastic lab facilities with new equipment such as the latest National Instruments ELVIS breadboards. After class there is always something to do, whether it be a social with one of the hundreds of societies, going into town or to a sports class at the gym, or for a swim at the Aquatics Centre.

I have really enjoyed the past two years at Manchester and it now feels like home. I continue to enjoy the course and look forward to the challenges it is going to bring in the future.."

Maria has been recording a week by week 'blog' of her third year project, see what she has been working on to date in her diary.