Q&A with Jacob Gudgeon: Navigating the Journey from Master's Student to Mechanical Engineer

In the ever-evolving landscape of engineering, it's the stories of individual growth and contribution that illuminate the path to innovation and success.

At Wright Engineering, we pride ourselves on nurturing talent that not only drives our projects forward but also shapes the future of the industry. This ethos is perfectly encapsulated in the journey of Jacob Gudgeon , a Mechanical Engineer whose academic achievements and dedication to professional development exemplify the calibre of talent within our team.

Jacob's transition from a master's student to a pivotal role within our projects offers insight into the symbiotic relationship between education and practical application, a cornerstone of Wright Engineering's success.

We asked Jacob a few questions to gain some insight into his journey so far:

Can you share a little about your journey from being a master's student to joining Wright Engineering?

"After completing my BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering in 2021, I embarked on an MSc in Advanced Engineering and Management at Sheffield Hallam University (SHU). During the latter stages of my MSc programme, I began searching for graduate roles. Thanks to a recommendation from Ben Doxey, a former employee, I applied for a position at Wright Engineering. Following two interviews and a task, I was offered the position of Graduate Mechanical Engineer. My final semester's project, titled 'Design Automation and Lean Six Sigma Optimisation within an SME,' was in collaboration with WE and SHU, under Dr. Hongwei Zhang 's academic supervision at the Advanced Food Innovation Centre . This collaboration laid a solid foundation of knowledge and led to my graduation with distinction."

How did focusing your dissertation on a workplace-based subject shape your entry into the engineering field?

"Working on my dissertation in collaboration with WE presented numerous benefits. It provided me with industry-specific knowledge before my official start, allowing a smooth transition into applying engineering principles to real-world problems. Additionally, being in the office while completing the project helped me build relationships with my future colleagues."

What has been the most valuable aspect of shadowing the principal engineer for you?

"Shadowing the principal engineer (David Czerwinski) at Wright has been an invaluable learning experience. The opportunity to learn from his extensive industry knowledge, encompassing both successes and failures, has significantly shaped my professional development. It has been a privilege to seek guidance, ask questions, and receive feedback from someone with such expertise."

Could you tell us about your involvement in the Mountsorrel project and any particular challenges or successes you experienced?

"My involvement in the Mountsorrel project primarily revolved around its design phase, as well as assisting with procurement activities. It was the first major project I worked on from the conceptual stage through to commissioning, providing great insight into the entire project lifecycle. A notable challenge was mastering material trajectory predictions at transfer points, crucial due to the abrasive nature of crushed granite. After studying various theories, I adopted the 1989 MHEA method and developed a programme to plot material trajectories in AutoCAD, which proved very beneficial to the project."

As you look towards starting your journey to become a Chartered Engineer, what are your goals and how do you see your role evolving at Wright Engineering?

"As I aspire to become a Chartered Engineer, my goal is to continue my professional development by seizing opportunities and learning from working alongside David. Depending on the business's direction, I'm also keen on enhancing my knowledge in structural engineering and pneumatic conveying. I envision my role evolving into a senior design engineer position, although I'm open to exploring other aspects of the business, such as sales or project management."

What do you enjoy most about the work culture at Wright Engineering and how has it supported your professional growth?

"What I enjoy most about the culture at Wright Engineering is the company's commitment to investing in its staff. The opportunities for learning and development, including various training courses and mentorship, have played a crucial role in my professional growth."

Jacob's narrative is more than a personal success story; it's a testament to Wright Engineering's commitment to fostering an environment where talent thrives, innovation is nurtured, and excellence is the norm.

His journey from academia to the heart of industry projects like Mountsorrel, coupled with his aspirations towards Chartered Engineer status, underscores the importance of continuous learning and adaptability in the engineering sector.

As we celebrate Jacob's achievements and look forward to his future contributions, it's clear that our collective success is built on the foundation of individual growth, expertise, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

At Wright Engineering, we're not just engineering solutions; we're engineering the future, one talented individual at a time.

Visit us to see more of what we do: www.wrighteng.co.uk