Silvia Zhugli

Industry Process Consultant, Dassault Systèmes

Tell us about your current job. Describe what you do on a typical day

I currently work as an Industry Process Consultant at Dassault Systèmes, supporting customers across industries such as Transport & Mobility and Marine & Offshore in their use of engineering and simulation software.

A typical day usually begins with customer discussions around the CATIA platform, where I help teams resolve technical issues, improve workflows, and adapt the software to fit their engineering needs. As projects develop, my focus often shifts towards building simulations with SIMULIA to demonstrate fluid behaviour and show how engineering concepts can be applied to real industrial challenges.

As the day progresses, I work closely with internal R&D teams, sharing customer feedback and contributing to software improvements. I also prepare technical demonstrations, deliver training sessions, and support customers through software implementation projects.

What keeps the role exciting is the constant change. One day I may be troubleshooting a complex issue, while the next I may be presenting solutions to customers from completely different industries and backgrounds.

What were the best things about your course?

What I appreciated most about my course was the way different subjects gradually built into real engineering thinking. I started by moving between areas like process design, thermodynamics, and pharmaceutical and food engineering, and over time I could see how each topic connected to real industrial problems rather than existing in isolation.

That became most clear during our group design project, where six of us worked together to develop a rotary dryer. We had to turn lecture knowledge into decisions, divide responsibilities, and troubleshoot problems under pressure. It felt like a first step into real engineering work rather than an academic exercise. That experience was strengthened during my industrial placement in a pharmaceutical company, where I worked in a regulatory role, supported quality and compliance activities, and even trained stakeholders in the US.

Coming from a linguistics background, I decided to do a foundation year before starting Chemical Engineering to strengthen my scientific knowledge and adapt to a new academic environment. It became a year of gradual transition, where I studied mathematics, mechanics, chemistry, computer science, and electrical engineering, which later made the move into my degree much smoother. It also pushed me to become more independent in my learning, often working through unfamiliar concepts outside of class and developing new ways of approaching problems. At the same time, the learning environment was highly supportive, with professors consistently present and supporting us while making complex material more accessible. Just as important were the friendships I built during that year; surrounded by students with different strengths and interests, we supported each other throughout. Even after the foundation year ended, it was great to keep seeing familiar faces around campus and to witness the different paths everyone took. The foundation year provided both the academic grounding and a strong sense of community that shaped my transition into university life.

How do you feel your degree helped you get a job after graduation?

My degree helped me get a job after graduation by gradually changing how I think, work, and communicate. At the beginning, I used to approach problems by trying to understand everything at once, which often felt overwhelming. Through projects and deadlines, I learned to slow down, break problems into parts, focus on priorities, and build solutions step by step. That shift in thinking later became essential when applying for jobs, where clarity and structure are key.

As I worked through group projects and presentations, I also learned how to explain technical ideas to different audiences. Over time, this made interviews feel like a familiar exercise rather than a new challenge, because I was already used to simplifying complex work efficiently. At the same time, managing demanding projects taught me how to organise tasks, work under pressure, and meet deadlines, while exposure to commercial aspects such as cost and regulation showed me how engineering decisions are made in industry.

Overall, these experiences shaped not only how I work but also gave me the flexibility and open mindset needed in a field that is constantly evolving.

What skills from your degree do you think you use most in your current job?

The skill I use most from my Chemical Engineering degree is structured problem-solving when the problem is not clearly defined. In my day-to-day work, I often start with incomplete information from customers using CATIA, so I need to listen carefully, ask the right questions, and gradually break the issue down until the root cause becomes clear. That way of thinking comes directly from my degree, where engineering problems rarely had a single defined path, and I had to learn how to build solutions step by step.

From that foundation, I also rely heavily on the ability to turn technical complexity into practical actions. During my studies, I became used to moving between theory and application, which now helps me translate customer needs into clear, workable next steps without overcomplicating the problem. Alongside this, the technical grounding in modelling and data analysis supports my confidence when working with simulation tools and cross-industry challenges.

Overall, these skills connect into one way of working that helps me bring structure, clarity, and direction to problems that are initially uncertain.

What are your top tips for securing a job in the United Kingdom or your home country?

My top advice for securing a job in the UK or abroad is to approach the process with consistency and intention, rather than simply applying everywhere. At the start, I applied broadly, but I quickly learned that progress comes from focusing on roles that genuinely align with my interests and strengths, and where there is clear potential for growth.

For international students, checking visa sponsorship requirements early also helps narrow applications to suitable opportunities.

As I continued, I realised how important working culture is. Especially if you are not from the UK, expectations around CV's, interviews, and communication can be very different from what you expect it to be. Over time, I also learned that you do not need to meet every requirement to apply or succeed, as many skills are developed on the job. Rejections became part of the process, staying organised by tracking applications and tailoring my CV helped me stay focused and consistent. Ultimately, I learned that success comes from persistence, adaptability, and being intentional about the opportunities one pursues.

How has your career developed since graduating from the University of Birmingham? Did you need to take additional training on top of your degree?

Since graduating in Chemical Engineering from the University of Birmingham, my career has evolved from conventional engineering into digital transformation and consulting.

I started in a digital-focused role in the life sciences sector, where I was first exposed to how AI and emerging technologies are being applied in industry. This experience changed how I viewed my engineering background, as I began using my technical training to interpret business and client challenges, which naturally moved me towards more client-facing responsibilities.

I now support clients in applying technology and industry solutions to improve their processes. However, I still rely heavily on my degree, particularly problem-solving, data analysis, and systems thinking, to structure complex and unfamiliar challenges.

Alongside this progression, I continued developing through professional training, certifications, and industry conferences in areas such as data visualisation, automation, and digital transformation. Each step adds a new layer to my skill set, allowing me to connect engineering thinking with digital client-focused work.

What advice would you give to current and prospective students looking to work in your sector?

To work in consulting, I would advise students to develop both technical abilities and people-skills, as success comes from combining the two. In my own journey, this became clear as I started working across technologies and projects in industries such as digital transformation, marine and offshore, and advanced manufacturing.
Understanding a problem is only the starting point, and real impact comes from translating it into structured, practical solutions that work across very different contexts. To prepare for this, gaining work experience is essential, with placements or internships being the most effective way to understand how industries operate.

In addition, setting learning goals helps build depth in areas such as data, automation, and digital tools. Commercial awareness is also important; while you do not need a business degree, understanding how companies create value is key.

Equally, communication, adaptability, and curiosity are essential in fast-paced consulting environments. At university, learning tools like Python and MATLAB gave me an appreciation of coding logic, which I now apply in my current role when working with data and technical tools, even at a basic level. Success comes from staying open to learning and developing both technical and human skills together.

What advice would you give to current students studying on your degree programme?

If I could give advice to Chemical Engineering students, it would be to focus on understanding the fundamentals, learning collaboratively, and staying open to where the degree can take you.

At first, the course can feel overwhelming, but it becomes easier once you realise that the real focus is not heavy chemistry, but core engineering principles like mathematics, mass and energy balances, data analysis, etc. which keep reappearing across modules. Building a strong foundation in these, alongside tools like Python and MATLAB, help connect theory with real applications and makes complex problems easier to visualise.

As you progress, don’t try to work everything out alone. Talking through problems with course-mates, asking questions in lectures, and using tutor feedback all help you learn more effectively. Regular exam practice also builds confidence and highlights areas to improve, making one’s learning more structured and intentional. This becomes especially important when you start thinking about placements, as they offer a way to see how what you learn in lectures is applied in industry, often deepening your understanding of the degree itself.

Exploring opportunities through platforms like Bright Network and Gradcracker, and making full use of university support, helps one approach this step with more clarity and direction.

What would you recommend students should do at University, over and above their academic study, to make them more employable in the graduate market?

To become more employable in the graduate market, I would recommend students use university as a space to explore and test varied career paths alongside their academic studies. For me, I began writing down potential roles I was interested in and explored what they looked like in practice by speaking to people in those fields and observing their day-to-day work, which helped me move from ideas to a clearer direction.

As I explored further, I realised that some of the most valuable learnings came across when I started applying what I was studying to real situations. Societies, volunteering, hobbies, and part-time work placed me in environments where I had to work with others, manage time, and take responsibility, building confidence through experience.

From those opportunities, I became more aware of communication techniques, learning to adapt to new ideas and collaborate effectively, which also helped when attending industry events. That then shaped how I approached CV's and applications, where I focused less on listing activities and more on showing impact, including KPI's, outcomes, and measurable results in both my CV and portfolio. Broadly, employability comes from exploring, doing, and reflecting on each experience.

Did you take advantage of support services offered by the University, for example Careers Network and Wellbeing, and if so what impact did they have on you?

I made extensive use of the University’s support services, particularly the Careers Network, and they had a clear impact on how I approached applications and interviews. It started with CV checks and interview preparation sessions, where I learnt how the way an experience is framed can influence how it is presented. This shifted me from simply listing what I had done to focusing on impact and relevance.

I also joined the mentoring programme and was paired with a mentor working in a similar career direction. Receiving honest, unbiased feedback and learning from their experience helped me grow in confidence. In addition, my on-campus part-time job further prepared me for applications and interviews. Through discussions on CV's, cover letters, and presentations, I learned how to translate my experiences into the skills that employers value.

What are your fondest memories of the University, and what would you say to anyone currently considering studying at Birmingham?

My fondest memories of the University of Birmingham come from everyday student life rather than one defining moment. Living with my flatmates shaped most of it, from cooking together and late-night Monopoly games to decorating the flat for Christmas and celebrating New Year as a group. Those small routines gradually turned shared living into a home.

That sense of community continued beyond the flat. Being part of the Birmingham University Dance Society (BUDS) and performing at dance shows was a highlight. Balancing a five-day show run with my dissertation was intense, but it showed me what I could handle under pressure. Even the harder moments, like long hours in the library during exams, feel meaningful now because everyone was experiencing collectively. A memory that ties it all together is spending hours at the Costa in the sports centre with my flatmates, which became our everyday meeting point.

To anyone considering Birmingham, I would say it will challenge you, but it will also give you friendships, growth, and memories that come from those challenges. My advice would be to put yourself out there, try new things, and get involved, but also learn to balance your time because burnout is real if you don’t. Most importantly, even the stressful moments end up becoming part of what you’ll miss later.

What were your favourite things about Birmingham the city? How did it compare to your expectations?

Coming from Milan, I found Birmingham to be a great place to start my university experience, offering a balance between a lively city atmosphere and a student-friendly environment. I expected a big UK city to feel fast-paced and overwhelming, but instead I found Birmingham to be active yet still easy to settle into as a student, with live music, jazz venues, gigs, and cultural events giving it a constant sense of life.

What stood out most to me was how multicultural Birmingham is. Meeting people from many different countries made everyday life feel naturally international, and this shaped many of the friendships I built. I also enjoyed simple routines, such as visiting the Christmas Market and spending time with friends at Cannon Hill Park after studying. Compared to my expectations, Birmingham felt more welcoming and easier to navigate, especially as a student city where people are open and sociable. It quickly became a place where I felt comfortable exploring, connecting, and building lasting memories.

What extracurricular activities did you get involved in as a student?

During my time at university, I became intentional about getting involved in activities outside my studies because I wanted to better understand how I managed pressure, balanced my time, and developed beyond academics. I started by choosing activities that complemented different parts of university life. Working part-time as a barista gave structure to my week and taught me discipline, while dance and karate became a way to disconnect from academic pressure and maintain balance mentally and physically. At the same time, being involved in the Chemical Engineering Society helped me feel more connected to my course and peers.

As I became more confident, I took on responsibilities that challenged me differently, including serving as Secretary of the UNICEF Society and tutoring students, which improved how I communicate and adapt to different people. My summer internship at NHS Queen’s Hospital then introduced me to research and development work, where I learned that setbacks are part of growth and often teach more than immediate success. Looking back, these experiences helped me build confidence, resilience, and a healthier balance between achievement and wellbeing.

Please tell us about your experience studying and living away from home.

I arrived to Birmingham with some experience of living away from home. Even so, studying abroad still came with challenges. Managing everyday responsibilities independently in a second language was enriching. At times, I missed familiar routines from home, especially time with family and friends, long walks around Milan, and even simple things like the Italian breakfast culture. Those moments made me appreciate how much comfort comes from routine and familiarity.

At the same time, living away from home pushed me to become more independent and adaptable. Learning how to live with other people, manage routines, and build boundaries became part of everyday life. Although there were moments of loneliness, university also created opportunities to meet people, build strong friendships, and try new experiences.

Over time, the people I met became like family, and that support made the transition much easier. For me, living away from home became one of the experiences that contributed most to my personal growth.

Why did you originally apply to Birmingham?

I originally applied to the University of Birmingham because I wanted a Chemical Engineering degree strongly connected to real-world applications, particularly in healthcare and food technology. I was especially interested in how engineering is used to scale processes from laboratory research to industrial production, such as in pharmaceuticals and vaccine manufacturing. As I explored the course further, I felt the structure suited what I was looking for, with a balance between theory and practical application. The university’s research reputation also stood out, especially as I was considering the possibility of pursuing a PhD.

To make a more informed decision, I spoke to current students about their experience, which helped me understand the teaching style, workload, and support available, giving me confidence in my choice.

Beyond academics, I was drawn to Birmingham as a city. The campus felt open and welcoming, and the city offered the opportunities of a large city while remaining more manageable, making it an ideal place to study and live.