Oscar A. Mendez Maldonado

Nationality:Mexican
Degree:BEng Electronics and Computer Engineering
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I transferred from another UK university into level 1 of my Electronic and Computer Engineering undergraduate course. There are many reasons as to why I chose to study at Surrey University. Firstly, Surrey’s high ranking courses and the vast amount of academic resources available to students. The quality of the research being done at the University was the second reason I chose Surrey. Finally, the location of the University; with it being easily accessible to Central London and to both Heathrow and Gatwick airports was what sealed the deal for me.

During my time at the university I have made good use of the additional facilities and the support available to international students. I have attended additional mathematics classes for engineering students; they are really fantastic as they are taught by Engineering Masters students in an informal and relaxed atmosphere. In terms of sports, Surrey’s new Sports Centre is one of the UK’s top facilities and after you go there for the first time, you will want to come back!

I am currently on my placement year which I found relatively easy to secure. I received two placement offers and am very pleased to have chosen to spend a year working for Qualcomm. My advice to other students would be to not overlook any aspect of the job application process. The presentation of your written CV is fundamental as it is the first thing the employer will see. You also need to look at your interviews as conversations, rather than feeling like you are being somehow tested. It will allow you to relax and perform better.

Surrey lives up to its reputation as a jobs university, they provide you with CV seminars, interview practice, an online database of jobs and even a dedicated Career’s department that is there to help you with anything you need to secure a job or placement.

The only difficulty I have experienced at Surrey University is the workload. All of our engineering exams are in the summer and therefore, there is a lot of pressure to do well. However, I have achieved great results from all my hard work and additional study and was 5th best on my course last year!

Surrey is a great university and UK employers know this. If you work hard and take advantage of the resources available you will have an amazing university experience, while building a solid foundation for your career.