STEM Ambassador Profile
Name: Dan Aiken
Organisation: Newcastle University
Job Title: Student
Area of work or study
I am currently studying MEng Civil Engineering and I am in my second year at University. I have also had work experience as an undergraduate with Costain.
How did you decide to work in your chosen field?
I was unsure as to my career path, however I had a look for vocational courses at University and stumbled across Civil Engineering and I am yet to look back.
Educational Path
I studied Maths, Further Maths and Physics at A level.
What attracted you to the STEM Ambassadors scheme?
See below.
What do you like about being a STEM Ambassador?
I enjoy interacting with young people. Helping them find inspiration in STEM subjects is very rewarding.
What do you see as the benefits of the STEM Ambassadors scheme?
I think its very useful for young people to have interaction with people at University and from Industry. It can help put things in to perspective. I know myself, I had no idea what I wanted to do at that age.
STEM Ambassadors activities
Last year, I helped take part in 'Create Sport' which was run jointly by STEM Ambassadors and the ICE. One of the team I helped with won the regional final and were sent to the national final in London.
I gave advice and ideas to pupils and helped guide them in the right direction, however most of the work was done by the pupils themselves. I simply helped guide their ideas.
What was the reaction of the young people you worked with?
Most of the pupils were very enthused by the project and I believe some may now be interested in an engineering career or at least to study STEM subjects.
What advice would you give to young people wanting to work in your field?
I would advise contacting companies and organisations before starting an undergraduate degree. The contact you make early on can be very useful when it comes to gaining relevant work experience, it can also help you realise your goals and gives you great life skills.
Take every opportunity that comes your way.