To whom this may be concern,

I have always had an interest in the way things work, and since I
was young, science has been one of my favourite subjects. My
interest in sciences, particularly physics, has developed throughout my
time at school, and I enjoy the challenge of using scientific and
mathematical ideas when solving everyday problems. Last year I took
part in the Engineering Education Scheme, working alongside three
other students, with the local water company, to work on a project
involving the removal of sludge from a drinking water clarification
tank. This helped me to develop time management, problem-solving
and teamwork skills, as we encountered several problems along the
way (mostly involving the sludge), as well as having to cope with each
other for long hours in order to meet deadlines. I found this both
challenging and rewarding, and achieved a Gold Crest Award as well
as being able to take part in the regional final of the Young Engineers
for Britain competition. The scheme gave me a useful insight into the
types of problems that engineers have to solve, and convinced me
that engineering is the career path I want to follow. I aim to secure
sponsorship for my course with a local company, as this will provide
me with experience of industrial work during the holidays, as well as
helping me financially through my time at university.
I believe that good links between engineers and businesses are
essential for an efficient and profitable future for British industry.
Studying Economics to AS-level, along with sciences and maths, has
helped me to understand some of the scientific principles behind
production and management techniques.
Physics has taught me about how things behave, and how these
properties can be used in solving both practical and theoretical
situations. Studying biology has helped me to appreciate the role that
engineers can play in helping to balance industry and natural
environment. My favourite part of the course is the environment
module, as I enjoy learning about how different species can adapt to
their surroundings. Mathematics gives me the opportunity to apply
familiar concepts to unfamiliar situations, and I enjoy the challenge of
solving mathematical problems. I also find further maths enjoyable, as
I find it more challenging than my normal maths lessons.
Alongside my school work, I have been studying an Open University
science short course entitled Food and Health: A Chemical Story. I
enjoy working on the course, as it helps to broaden my scientific
reading, and covers interesting topics in more depth than my school
studies. It also helps me with my independent study and time
management skills. I am due to complete the course at the end of
October.
Although at the moment I intend to complete a degree in
manufacturing engineering, I do not feel that I am in the best
position to make any final decisions about my career yet, and have
chosen courses with the first year (and in some cases the second
year) common to degree programmes in many disciplines of
engineering. My experiences of engineering so far have been both
challenging and rewarding, and I hope that my future career will be
too.
Respectfully,