“Get out of your comfort zone, and do not let the no’s that might come before the yes deter you from always trying.”

Victor Azuka, MSc Energy Engineering, Graduate Mechanical Engineer, British Steel

Earlier this year a group of alumni who came to the University of Hull as international students and are currently enjoying careers in the UK returned to campus to share their advice, insights and experiences with current students. Topics covered included making the most of your time at a UK university, how to sell your skills and experiences to prospective employers, and how to negotiate the visa system once you find a job. An inspired and inspiring group of alumni they offered valuable advice on finding employment, transferring skills from the university course to a career and being persistent when applying for jobs.

We found these alumni so inspiring that we caught up with some of them afterwards to find out a little bit more about them and to distill their advice for an alumni audience.

In this interview, we meet Victor Azuka.

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Where do you come from originally and how did you decide to study at the University of Hull?

I’m originally from Nigeria where I obtained my first degree in Mechanical Engineering, graduating in 2018. In the final year of my undergraduate studies, I was introduced to the field of wind energy and so began a fascination that would eventually lead me to look for an MSc program in energy engineering that encompassed wind energy studies. The energy engineering program at the University of Hull was the answer to this as it had the offshore wind energy module included in it whilst also covering topics in conventional energy studies.

How did you enjoy being a University of Hull student?

I had a great time being a University of Hull student. I found a corner in the library with a great view of the wind turbine in Hull close to the school and I just immersed myself in my studies. I also made great friends and I had great teachers as well. When it was time to transition into employment, I received all the help I needed which made a great difference. I was also a member of the Hull University Politics Society where I met some great people.

Could you tell us a little bit about your current job and what a day in your job looks like?

I am currently a graduate Mechanical Engineer at British Steel where I work as a Mechanical Maintenance Engineer in the ore preparation plant, one of the many plants we have onsite. But since the beginning of February, I’ve been involved in the Queen Bess blast furnace recovery project, building up some projects experience. My typical days in projects at the blast furnace can kick off with morning meetings, speaking with suppliers and inspection companies to coordinate necessary supplies or system inspection, doing a bit of hands-on work in the plant, or conducting risk assessments prior to the commencement of work, and doing some paper work back at the office.

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

The degree I obtained from the University of Hull helped me to stand out, equipping me with specialist knowledge in the decarbonisation of energy and industrial systems. This helped me to better understand the requirements of the steel industry, which is the industry I stepped into upon graduation. My time at Hull also further strengthened my ability to persevere and work hard outside my comfort zone, helping improve my research, analytical and interpersonal skills. These skills helped me to get to where I am today and will still be of paramount importance as I progress in my career.

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?

Get out of your comfort zone, and do not let the “no’s” that might come before the “yes” deter you from always trying. Remember to give your best in everything you do especially in being thorough in your job applications.

What advice would you offer to international students currently studying at the University of Hull and thinking about their future career?

Take advantage of the extracurricular events and other services available to you as a student at the university which will better prepare you to stand out upon graduation. These include services offered by the Student Futures team, the Library service, and volunteer opportunities. And most importantly, it is never too early to start making plans for your future career after school, for instance by applying for jobs or further studies.

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

Having been an international student myself, I understand some of the challenges international students face, and this is compounded when we factor in plans for future career post-graduation. Therefore, I’m always happy to share my experience as an international student who has gone on to progress into full time work post-graduation, with the hope that I’ll be able to motivate other international students and students in general. This hopefully will show them that whatever they desire to achieve in their studies and their careers can be achieved with the right approach and hard work.