2024 volunteer of the month winners

1. What is your current role?
I am a Platform Lead Engineer within Accessories at JLR, where I lead a team of engineers to deliver the future accessories for the vehicles produced by JLR, focusing currently on Defender.

2. In what capacity have you volunteered for the University?
Since I started volunteering with the university in the 2023/24 academic year, I have had the opportunity to provide several lectures for the Mechanical Engineering students at both the Edgbaston and Dubai campuses on Mechanical Design, my career and key leadership and team skills required in industry for success. Additionally, I’ve showcased one of the products that JLR produces at the university, provided CV support for students, and taken part in a professional skills podcast series.

3. Why did you volunteer for the University and what did you enjoy most?
I chose to volunteer for the university as I always get fulfilment from giving back to those that are on the path that I once took myself. Knowing what it’s like as a student, wanting as many insights into the working world as an engineer as possible, I wanted to use my story and experiences to teach and inspire the next generation of mechanical engineers, as well as any other disciplines that may benefit. From the opportunities that I have had so far, the most enjoyable part has been getting face to face with the students at both the Edgbaston and Dubai campuses while delivering lectures, building a rapport with them to support their journey, and seeing their excitement about engineering when showing them the products delivered by JLR.

4. What advice would you give to someone thinking about volunteering?
If you’re already thinking about volunteering, I would say just go for it! It may seem like only a small thing after all your experience and what’s now normal to you but to a student, it is a big thing and could unlock something for them. You’ve got to remember what you were like while at university and what help you would have liked from the industry you were looking to go into.

5. Is there anything else you would like to add?
I look forward to taking on more opportunities to support the University and students in the near future, hoping to bring as much value as possible to their individual journeys and ensuring that the next generation are the best version of themselves.