Nasir Balera is one step closer to fulfilling his ambition of becoming a chartered engineer by securing a job with Severn Trent - the water authority serving the Midlands.
The Mechanical Engineering graduate from De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) is set to start a two-year technical leadership graduate programme with the FTSE-100 company in September.
“Graduating with a First this week and securing a job are definitely my greatest achievements so far,” said the 23-year-old from Leicester.
“Being accepted onto the graduate scheme at the beginning of my final year was surreal as it was the first interview I did. It was a big relief though and allowed me to concentrate on my studies without any distractions.”
Over the course of the programme, Nasir will be involved in a variety of work - including operational duties, strategic planning and designing assets – equipping him with the skills and expertise to lead teams on business-critical projects.
He said: “I’m really looking forward to experiencing what it’s like to work in the industry. Before my degree I did Engineering Year Zero at DMU, so after four years of studying I’m definitely ready to start my career.
“I’m hoping that once I complete the scheme I can continue working at Severn Trent and become a chartered engineer. They like to invest in their employees, supporting with exams, mentoring and even funding master’s degrees.”
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Nasir attributes his success, in part, to #DMUworks - a programme aimed at giving students the necessary skills and qualities that employers look for.
“I attended useful CV workshops and the team helped prepare me for the psychometric tests, which are a requirement for all graduate schemes,” he said.
“My course also prepared me very well, especially with the technical skills needed, as well as introducing me to the business world with modules such as project management.
“Technical leadership is definitely the path I want to pursue, and the course teaches you that engineering isn’t just about maths and working in labs. It's also about functioning in a business.”
Its accreditation by two leading bodies - the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and the Institution of Engineering and Technology – is what originally attracted Nasir to DMU’s course.
He said: “The double accreditation was really important to me, but also when I visited campus on an Open Day the welcoming atmosphere and inclusive culture were very appealing.
“I’ve enjoyed the hands-on tasks in the labs and having the chance to apply actual engineering principles, as well as the challenging nature of the dynamics module which taught me a lot.
“But for me, the most unique thing about DMU is the support from staff, be it your lecturer, tutor or library staff. No question goes unanswered and help is always available.”
Posted on Friday 20 July 2018