Institution news
It was the 1950s sci-fi book "I, Robot" that first got Anindya Ghosh interested in engineering: “Despite the more moral connotations of this book, it led me to devouring a myriad of articles on machines that could substitute for humans, which ultimately resulted in me pursuing an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering,” he explained.
Fast-forward to 2018 and Ghosh has now completed that degree, and has been awarded The Institution Project Award from the Institution of Mechanical Engineers for his outstanding undergraduate dissertation.
“I was fortunate to be automatically considered for the prize from my department based on the quality of my dissertation and it is a great honour to receive it,” he says. “The prestigious IMechE award has provided an outlet for people to recognise the effort I had put into my bachelor’s dissertation. The accompanying medal fills me with pride whenever I look at it.
“The award has provided me with a beacon of recognition for prospective employers, and it has also helped me in my endeavour to pursue further education at top institutions.”
To that end, Ghosh is about to undertake a PhD in robotics, for which he has several offers, and says that the work he has done with the institution as an affiliate member has really helped him achieve his goals and stand-out from the crowd.
“I have had the opportunity of being part of a community of young and diverse students, some of whom I met as part of my involvement of IMechE’s highly competitive Formula Student competition,” he says. “The experience has enabled me to learn several skills that have made me a more promising graduate to prospective employers.”
Ghosh says that anyone considering following in his footsteps to study engineering should make sure they fully explore what a course entails before applying, and also that a passion for the subject is vital if you are going to succeed.
“Ask a practising engineer about the field of engineering you want to practice,” he says. “I knew a stellar student who, at the time of applying, thought that mechanical engineering would primarily encompass spending hours in the workshop. Therefore, when more theoretical modules appeared, he didn’t do as well.
“Engineering has empowered me to work in a profession that I am suitable for. If you don’t like engineering, it won’t like you back. Choose engineering only if you are passionate about it. If you are uncertain about which field of engineering to pick, and I might be a bit biased here, go for mechanical engineering as it is the broadest field of engineering.”