Mateja Mihajlovic
- Course
- Chemical Engineering MEng
- Subject area
- Chemical Engineering
I chose to study Chemical Engineering because I鈥檝e always enjoyed subjects that involve problem-solving and critical thinking, particularly chemistry and mathematics. Chemical Engineering stood out to me as it applies these concepts to real-world challenges, such as designing processes, improving efficiency and optimizing production across various industries.
I was also drawn to the versatility of the degree, which opens doors to a wide range of sectors, including healthcare, energy and food production, allowing for flexibility in future career paths.
I specifically chose 探花精选 because of its outstanding reputation in both engineering and sport. I was particularly drawn to Loughborough’s world-class sports facilities and its vibrant sports culture, which provides the perfect environment to balance academics and personal fitness.
Loughborough is also highly regarded for its engineering programs, consistently ranked among the top in the UK. The University offers cutting-edge research facilities, strong industry connections, and a practical, hands-on approach to learning, which I knew would equip me with the skills and experience necessary for a successful engineering career.
I decided to undertake a placement because I wanted to gain practical experience in a real-world industrial setting, beyond the theoretical knowledge gained through my degree. A placement year offers the unique opportunity to apply engineering concepts to real projects while developing a range of soft skills that are crucial in any professional environment.
During my Industrial placement year I worked at Caterpillar Inc. as a logistics engineer. I was involved with assisting in the development, execution and maintenance of processes designed to optimise safety, quality and the efficiency of the movement of material within the facility.
The highlight of my placement was undoubtedly the opportunity to meet and build relationships with a wide range of incredible people, from senior managers to fellow placement students. Being able to connect with professionals across different roles within the company allowed me to broaden my perspective and learn from their diverse experiences.
My placement year taught me invaluable lessons that I will carry forward into both the remainder of my studies and my future career. I was able to apply the core engineering principles I learned at University and see how concepts such as process optimization and logistics engineering can drive tangible improvements in industry.
Beyond technical knowledge, the placement taught me the importance of soft skills such as teamwork, communication and networking. By working with individuals across different departments and levels of the company, I improved my ability to collaborate effectively and build strong professional relationships. These interpersonal skills are just as crucial as technical expertise and will undoubtedly be valuable assets as I continue in my academic journey and eventually transition into my career.
I found that many of the core engineering principles I learned during my course were highly transferable to the work I encountered during my placement.
For example, one of my key projects involved optimizing the flow of materials between the production lines and the product development area. To achieve this, I used Excel VBA – a skill I had developed during my Part A Chemical Engineering Laboratory module.
This experience highlighted the versatility and transferability of the skills I gained through my degree. The engineering knowledge I acquired, along with the practical software skills, proved invaluable in addressing real-world challenges during my placement, further reinforcing the strong connection between the academic curriculum and industry applications.
After graduating with my BEng degree from 探花精选, I plan to pursue a master’s program, ideally in Europe, with a focus on a more specialized area of chemical engineering, particularly within the fields of pharmaceuticals and nanotechnology.