"If you love what you do - get out there, feel confident in your ability and always aim high."

Arezoo Firouzeh, a metallurgy postgraduate from Iran recently completed a four-month project at metal castings foundry Sarginsons through WMG’s SME internship programme. She talked to us about the experience, how she got into the specialist area of metallurgy and gave advice to other young female engineers.

What made you interested in a career in engineering?

When I was younger, I wanted to be a doctor but after spending time with my dad who worked in an oil refinery, I started to develop an interest in engineering. What I love about my specialism in metallurgy is that the study of materials and the composition of materials impacts so much of our lives. It isn’t pure maths, nor pure science but a nice in between.

How did you find out about the WMG Internship programme?

I saw the advertisement on the University of Warwick website but initially didn’t feel that confident about applying, mainly because of my newness to the UK and my fear that my level of English wasn’t good enough. My husband spurred me on and helped me see that I had all the skills required. I was delighted that after the interview, I was offered the position. I wish that I could have said to myself before applying to forget about the fear and just go for it.

What did your project involve?

The project involved working in the foundry, focusing specifically on the melting operation, understanding what the practical difficulties were in the company’s melting practices and how the metal was prepared for use. I undertook various tests and controls to improve current processes to meet the ever-increasing demands for light weighting and mechanical properties required by Sarginsons’ customers. Essentially, I created robust processes to develop not only today’s products, but also products of the future.

What kind of impacts have you had on the business?

I have developed reports and audit documents that can be used in the preparation of metals for casting. As a result of my work, Sarginsons hope to see improvements in quality and a reduction in scrap rate as well as more robust processes for external audits.

What did you most enjoy about the internship?

The team were fantastic and so supportive. I have loved seeing my knowledge being applied in a new industrial setting. If I had a challenge, I used it to continuously improve. As a result of my work the company has a much better understanding of the melting process and a series of technical sheets, they can use for auditing purposes or troubleshooting.

What is your new job and future career plans?

Right now, I am so happy to have been offered a full-time job here at Sarginsons as Technical Engineer and continue to work with my internship supervisor Rick Davies. I would love to continue working in the manufacturing sector which is dynamic and hugely interesting.

Any advice for other young women wanting to develop a career in engineering?

Explore internship opportunities, get yourself out there and be confident. If you love what you do, put any fears aside and always aim high.

For more information about our work with SME'S visit: https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/wmg/business/innovationexperience/