“As a fresh graduate who faced various challenges during the transition from university to finding and going into full-time work, I wanted to share my experiences and insights with other students who may be facing similar difficulties.”

Jamal Hanif, BEng Chemical Engineering, 2022; Environmental Engineer at Cranswick

On Wednesday 1st March, Jamal Hanif returned to the University of Hull a year after graduating with a BEng in Chemical Engineering, as part of a group of ten alumni who spoke about their careers to current students. Since completing his degree, Jamal started his career in engineering as an Environmental Engineer at Cranswick, a leading UK food producer and supplier of premium, fresh and added-value food products. He was able to share with students his firsthand experience of getting started in the jobs market as a recent graduate.

In this interview we find out how Jamal thinks his degree gave him the skills for his career, what it entails being an Environmental Engineer at Cranswick, what advice he would give to others looking for a career in eingeering, and what movtivated him to come back and share his advice with current students.

How did your time at Hull help prepare you for your subsequent career?

My degree in Chemical Engineering at the University of Hull equipped me with a strong foundation in the principles of chemistry, physics, and maths. These skills are essential for an environmental engineer, as I am required to understand the chemical and physical processes that underpin environmental challenges as well as energy reduction projects. Additionally, my experience at university provided me with opportunities to develop critical thinking, problem-solving and project management skills which are also valuable in my current role as I work closely with different teams from different sites across the UK.

Can you tell us about your current role working for Cranswick as an Environmental Engineer?

As an Environmental Engineer at Cranswick plc, my role is focused on developing and implementing energy reduction projects to reduce the company’s carbon footprint. This involves working on projects such as heat recovery, boiler efficiency improvements, compressed air and vacuum pump efficiencies, and other key carbon reduction projects. My responsibilities also include supporting each site with any ongoing energy projects and sharing best practices to ensure these strategies are consistently applied across the business.

The role is critical in helping the business achieve its sustainability goals, and I play a key part in driving the company’s efforts to reduce its environmental impact. For final year students interested in this field, this role offers me an opportunity to apply my skills and knowledge to real-world sustainability challenges, while contributing to the development of a more resilient future for businesses.

What is the most important advice you can take from your own career experience that you would offer someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?

Do not be afraid of not knowing everything when starting your career. Your university education will provide you with foundational knowledge and enhance your personal skills, but it will not be exactly like your job. Real-life problems require practical knowledge, and you may not know everything, but it is okay. Be patient, enjoy and gain the experience. Read more, ask questions, and do not be afraid to say you do not know the answer. Show your thirst for knowledge and people will support you. A master’s degree in environmental science or renewable energy can be beneficial but it is not required. Lastly, apply for job opportunities and go for them!

What motivated you to return to campus to speak to students?

As a fresh graduate who faced various challenges during the transition from university to finding and going into full-time work, I wanted to share my experiences and insights with other students who may be facing similar difficulties. I was given the opportunity and saw it as a way to give back to the community, inspire and motivate others and to provide valuable advice that could help them succeed in their future careers. I have always had a passion for helping and motivating others with the aim of making a positive impact on their lives, so when the opportunity came up I of course had to take it.