Top
Skip to Content
LOGO(small) - Queen's University Belfast
  • Our facebook
  • Our twitter
  • Our youtube
  • Our
LOGO(large) - Queen's University Belfast

School of

Mechanical And Aerospace Engineering

  • Home
  • Study
    • Undergraduate
    • Postgraduate Taught
    • Postgraduate Research
    • International Study
    • Scholarships and Awards
    • Career Support
  • Research
    • Research Themes
    • Research Centres
    • Spin-out companies
    • Our PhD Students
    • Research Impact
    • Find a PhD Supervisor
  • International
  • Business Engagement
    • Sponsor a Student Project
    • Support our Careers Programme
    • Industrial Advisory Forum
    • Support the Engineering Leadership Programme
    • Supporting Student Work Placements
  • Discover
    • About the School
    • Facilities
    • Athena SWAN at The School of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
    • Green Impact
    • News Archive
  • Connect
    • Staff
    • Meet our students
    • Student support
    • Get in touch
  • News
  • Events
  • PhD Vacancies
  • Important Information for Staff
  • Home
  • Study
    • Undergraduate
    • Postgraduate Taught
    • Postgraduate Research
    • International Study
    • Scholarships and Awards
    • Career Support
  • Research
    • Research Themes
    • Research Centres
    • Spin-out companies
    • Our PhD Students
    • Research Impact
    • Find a PhD Supervisor
  • International
  • Business Engagement
    • Sponsor a Student Project
    • Support our Careers Programme
    • Industrial Advisory Forum
    • Support the Engineering Leadership Programme
    • Supporting Student Work Placements
  • Discover
    • About the School
    • Facilities
    • Athena SWAN at The School of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
    • Green Impact
    • News Archive
  • Connect
    • Staff
    • Meet our students
    • Student support
    • Get in touch
  • News
  • Events
  • PhD Vacancies
  • Important Information for Staff
  • Our facebook
  • Our twitter
  • Our youtube
In This Section

  • Home
  • School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
  • Study
  • Our Students
  • Alice Purcell

Alice Purcell

Alice Purcell

MEng Mechanical Engineering

Placement Year – with B/E Aerospace

Alice Purcell

What inspired you to become an engineer? ‌ 

If I’m honest, I was just a very curious kid, always wanting to see how things worked! Growing up on a farm I was always fascinated by tractors and other farm machinery. I wanted to understand the unique mechanisms and was intrigued by the complexity of the designs.

Why did you choose your particular degree program and why Queens?  

I chose Mechanical Engineering due to the broad range of modules available. At 17/18 I did not have a clue if I would be more interested in renewable energies, electrical circuits, or the automotive/aeronautical industry, so by choosing Mechanical, I kept my options open to explore the many opportunities out there and thus settle in a sector that suited me best. Why Queens? I loved the atmosphere, everyone was so friendly and I was particularly interested in the modules that were on offer, alongside the practical application and of course the fact I could be close to home – who doesn’t love home cooking!

What do you think of Queens in general and your course in particular now that you are here? 

I didn’t really know what to expect coming to Queen’s , I guess a little nervous about being a girl in Engineering as when I first started girls were still very much in the minority! However I have loved every minute of it, I have met some lifelong friends whilst here and there is always something going on in Belfast. It is definitely hard work, but getting to see the theory that you learnt in 1st year being applied in 2nd year, and then carried out within placement year is rewarding. Makes you realize all the hard work will pay off and that you can make a difference within the Engineering World.

Where are you hoping to go professionally when you graduate? 

Queens have provided me with many different opportunities including the Engineering Leadership Program and through it I have obtained an Advanced Leadership Award from the Royal Academy of Engineering. When I graduate I hope to build upon these skills obtaining a graduate position within the Aerospace sector, become specialized as a Manufacturing Engineer, go on to become a project lead/senior engineer and then ultimately a manager.

If you had a single piece of advice for anyone thinking of studying engineering at Queens, what would it be?

Engineering can open doors to so many different opportunities and because Queen’s covers a broad range of modules it allows you to make up your own mind as to what sector you eventually end up in. So be open-minded when studying engineering, take those opportunities to go to different places and research different sectors. Step out of your comfort zone and you will be amazed at where you can end up.

Our Students
  • Our Students
Queen's University Belfast - Logo (small)
Contact Us

School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Ashby Building
Stranmillis Road
Belfast
Northern Ireland
BT9 5AH

GET DIRECTIONS

E-mail: mech.aero@qub.ac.uk
Tel:+44 (0)28 9097 4147
Fax: +44 (0)28 9097 4148

Quick Links

  • Home
  • Study
  • Business Engagement
  • Research

 

© Queen's University Belfast 2023
Privacy and cookies
Website accessibility
Freedom of information
Modern slavery statement
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Manage cookies