By Michael Veith
The knowledge and experiences gained from university go far beyond a diploma. For Jordan D’Costa, the time spent at university was also about the friends he made and the students he helped. During four years at University of Sheffield in England, Jordan pursued a degree in Aerospace Engineering, however he was also a part of his university’s International Engineering Ambassadors group, where he assisted international students with the application process and helped them get settled upon arrival at the university. “I felt particularly compelled to do this since I found it rather difficult organizing my application and moving to England.”
In addition to his ambassador tasks, he also managed a blog where prospective students could ask questions and learn more about Sheffield. “I handed permission of that blog over to another student when I graduated, and when I left, the blog had over 5,600 views. The ambassador work was really rewarding.”
His university work was also gratifying. His final year project involved improving the quality of 3D printed parts and required him to use a high-end 3D printer worth over HKD $1.7 million! “It was all very mind blowing! It’s definitely an industry I’d like to enter now that I’ve finished my degree and have some experience with the technology.”
However, Jordan is still considering his options and is currently back in Australia after graduating this past April. “I’m really happy that I went to England to do my degree. Sheffield has been a great experience. I made great friends and it was also great to rub shoulders with industry experts who were working on groundbreaking technology, but were also up for a chat and willing to help you with your own work.” What plans are being engineered for Jordan’s future? Only time will tell.