Education

BEng (Hons) Product Design Engineering: 2:1 2003-2007

University of Strathclyde

Key Subjects: Engineering Mathematics, Engineering Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Innovation Management; Industrial Design, Design Methods, Manufacturing and Operations Management classes.

Group Project: To design a reptile vivarium base for an industrial partner for mass production using only plastics. Developed excellent experience in team working and liaising with a real client.

Personal Project: To design an Expandable Caravan, manufactured using solid materials which could be expanded by 70% of its original footprint. This involved using skills required throughout the entire design process, from market research through to the detail design and prototype stages.

BSc Architectural Studies 2002-2003

I completed and passed first year of the course but decided at the start of second year to change my career direction to provide me with a broader Engineering education. The decision to choose Product Design Engineering was to ensure that I still had a vehicle with which to use my strong desire and aptitude for design and innovation whilst also gaining an excellent Engineering degree.

Other Education

ClaremontHigh School, East Kilbride 1996 - 2002

Highers: Physics (A), Graphic Communication (A), Craft and Design (A), English (B), Maths (B), Art (B).

Standard Grades: 8 Standard Grades - 6 (Grade 1) and 2 (Grade 2) Including Geography, Chemistry and French.

Awards: 1 Maths, 3 French, and 2 Graphic Communication Merits.

Industrial Experience

EMIS, Aberdeen Summer 2003 and 2007

EMIS are a small calibration engineering company whose work is based largely around the oil and gas industry. My responsibilities during my placement included calibrating instruments, forming certificates of calibration and packing the instruments ready for shipping. It was an excellent opportunity to be involved in all stages of the company's work. I liaised mainly with the lab manager who gave me tasks and instructed me on how to carry out these tasks for the first time. I learnt a great deal from this experience as it was my first insight into real industrial engineering. I benefited greatly from working in a small company which meant that even I, with little experience, had responsibilities which I could not afford fail upon.

Key Skills

I have developed excellent interpersonal and leadership skills through my University education and in part time employment, which have helped me become a supervisor and take on extra responsibility. I have outstanding organisational skills which help me achieve targets and goals on time and to a high standard. These have enabled me to perform well at work and at University.

I am proficient in using the following computer programs: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Pro Engineer and Form-Z. I used Pro Engineer to develop and present my final project at University. I also have experience in using AutoCAD and Adobe Photoshop.

I have developed many creative skills and techniques throughout my degree as well as developing skills in how to communicate ideas within a design team situation.

Other Work Experience

Somerfield Stores, East Kilbride - Ambient Supervisor 2005 - Present

In my current role as Ambient Supervisor I am responsible for eight members of staff, with respect to scheduling and everyday task delegation. I act as the first point of contact for any staff members with issues in the department before they go to management. I am also responsible for locking up the store on a weekly basis. I have learnt a great deal of practical leadership skills in this role such as ensuring work is always completed by staff on time and to a high standard as well as ensuring that staff are scheduled in for shifts to suit both themselves and the company. I have built up a fantastic rapport with the management team and gained a lot of respect which has greatly assisted my development within the company. I am currently training to become Duty Manager.

Di Maggio's Restaurant, East Kilbride - Waiter/Bar Staff 2004 - 2005

During my time with DiMaggios I primarily worked as a waiter whilst also working in the bar on busy nights. The role gave me a great insight into customer service and time management. When I became head waiter I was responsible for organising the other waiters with regards to which dishes and tables to serve on extremely busy nights. This was a very important task as the chefs would leave the dishes mixed up and would be preparing them in no logical order. It was essential that the dishes were identified and taken to the correct tables. When working in the bar I was responsible for dealing with all drinks, tea/coffee and dessert orders from the restaurant as well as serving customers at the bar. This helped me develop skills in prioritising and remaining calm under pressure.

Safeway Stores, East Kilbride - Customer Service Assistant 2002 - 2003