Valeria Goatham

Graduate Engineer, Siemens Mobility

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

I am a Graduate Engineer at Siemens Mobility, working on the HS2 project. My role is part of a rotational graduate scheme, which means I get exposure to different parts of the business and how they contribute to delivering a project of this scale. A typical day begins with catching up on emails, planning my tasks for the day, and talking with my colleagues in the engineering teams. I usually attend a mixture of internal and client meetings where we review progress, discuss risks, and coordinate technical work. One of the areas that I am currently learning and really enjoying is modelling requirements and interfaces in Enterprise Architect (EA Sparx). It is helping me understand how all the different systems in a major rail project connect to each other, and it has been a great introduction to systems engineering. Every week looks slightly different, which is one of the things I enjoy most about the job.

What were the best things about your course?

The lab sessions were one of the highlights of my degree. They allowed me to immediately apply what I had learned in lectures, making topics easier to understand. My final year project was one of the most memorable parts of my course. I had the opportunity to work closely with an academic on a research project with real impact, which was incredibly motivating. It felt very rewarding to contribute to something meaningful and to see how what I had learned over the years came together in a single piece of work.

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

My degree exposed me to a wide range of areas within electronic and electrical engineering, which helped me build a strong technical foundation. Now that I’m in a graduate role with rotations across different parts of the business, it’s been valuable to have background knowledge in so many topics. It made the transition into industry more comfortable and helped me adapt quickly. The problem-solving mindset developed throughout the degree also helped me feel more confident when approaching unfamiliar tasks in industry. It made it easier to pick up new concepts quickly, which is essential in a fast-moving engineering environment.

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

Time management, report writing, public speaking and teamwork are the skills I use most frequently. Time management is vital when working towards tight deadlines . Report writing is essential in a project environment where decisions and requirements must be captured clearly. Public speaking helps when presenting to project teams or stakeholders. Teamwork underpins almost everything in a project as large as HS2, where collaboration is absolutely essential.

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

Get involved in activities outside your degree. Join societies, participate in competitions, or learn practical skills such as PCB making, soldering or 3D printing. These experiences make you stand out and give you real examples to discuss during interviews. As well, do thorough research into the kinds of roles and sectors that interest you, the engineering industry is full of opportunities that you may not initially be aware of. Networking is incredibly valuable too. Talking to senior engineers or even other students can give you insight into pathways you did not previously consider. Many opportunities start with simple conversations.

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

My career has developed through the Siemens Graduate Development Programme. As part of this programme, I have taken several technical training courses such as introductions to SCADA systems and fibre and copper cabling, as well as soft skills training including presenting with impact and communication training. In the final six months of the programme, I am working on a Business Impact Project with a small group of graduates. We are given a challenge the business is facing and supported by sponsors, we work to develop a practical solution. This experience has strengthened my leadership, system thinking and problem-solving abilities and given me insight into how strategic decisions are made.

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

Spend some time learning about what is happening in the rail industry. There is no need to be an expert, but understanding major projects such as HS2 and the ongoing changes within the industry gives you valuable context. With the ongoing nationalisation of parts of the rail industry, there are many changes happening right now, and the Rail Reform Bill is worth following. Having awareness of this helps you have more informed conversations during interviews and shows that you are genuinely interested in the field.

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

There may be times when the workload feels intense, but try to absorb as much as you can because you never know when something will become useful in your career. Talk to your academics and engage with their research interests. Many of them work on fascinating projects that could inspire you or help you define your future path. Take full advantage of resources such as the Makerspace in the School of Engineering. The access you get to training and equipment is incredibly valuable and not something you will easily find again. Most importantly, take every opportunity that comes your way. University is the perfect environment to explore interests, gain new skills and try things you might never have considered.

What would you recommend students should do at university, over and above their academic study, to make them more employable?

Get involved in societies, both within engineering and the Guild. These experiences teach teamwork, organisation and leadership and they give you real examples to discuss in job applications and interviews. Being part of Brum Eco Racing was particularly valuable for me. In my final year I became one of the Electrical Technical Directors, and interviewers always enjoyed learning about my work in the team, the challenges we faced and the technical and interpersonal skills I developed.

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

One of my fondest memories is the trip to Coniston in the Lake District with my cohort. Even though the weather was cold and rainy, the team building activities were incredible and it is where I met my closest friends. Another unforgettable memory is the competition in France with Brum Eco Racing. We spent ten days travelling from the United Kingdom to the south of France, working to pass technical inspections and get our car on track. It was challenging, intense but extremely rewarding when the competition was over.

What were your favourite things about Birmingham as a city and how did it compare to your expectations?

I loved the variety of activities Birmingham offers, from arts and crafts to mini golf to arcades. The restaurant scene is also outstanding, with cuisine from all over the world. Before moving, I had heard mixed opinions about the city, but once I experienced it for myself, Birmingham exceeded my expectations. It is diverse, welcoming and full of things to do.

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

I was a member of Brum Eco Racing and was one of the Electrical Technical Directors in my final year. I also worked as an Engineering Student Ambassador, helping during open days and offer holder events and speaking with prospective students.

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

Studying and living away from home is a unique and memorable experience. It can be challenging at times, especially when you feel homesick, but it is also incredibly rewarding. Being able to study at a top university, meet people from all over the world and live on a beautiful campus is something I feel very grateful for. I also loved how easy it was to travel around Europe, often for cheap, which allowed me to make the most of living abroad. The years go by quickly, so I would encourage anyone in this position to enjoy every opportunity.

Why did you originally apply to Birmingham?

It was the only top one hundred university that offered me entry requirements I felt I could realistically achieve. Looking back, I am very glad that I chose Birmingham because it ended up being the perfect fit for me.