Student Profiles
Elliott Furminger
Interviewed in his fourth year, studying Structural Engineering
Like a lot of people I know, I studied maths and science for my A Levels and ended up unsure what to do afterwards. In the end it was the fact that I just enjoy knowing how and why everyday things work that drove me towards Engineering. I chose to come to Cambridge mainly because the course was general for the first two years, allowing me to find my feet and decide what I really wanted to do. After all, how many people really know what they want to do so early on?
Before university I took part in the ‘Year in Industry’ scheme, which was great fun and equally good experience. It was also vindication of picking a general engineering course as I had felt that the engineering work involved in the job wasn’t quite right for me.
One of the best things I found was the hotbed of talent and enthusiasm in the Department, which is not something to be intimidated by. The students and staff are friendly and approachable and really allow you to develop your ideas and understanding.
I became interested in Sustainable Development during my time here which resulted in an expedition to India during the summer after my second year called ‘engINdia’. Myself and some fellow students sought out interesting project work for university engineering students by working significantly with Vigyan Ashram, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) near Pabal, Maharashtra. The expedition was organised by six students with great support from the University and the Engineering Department.
Now that I’m in my final year I am very happy with my choice to study Structural Engineering. Although the course is strongly academic, the project work available has given me the chance to get hands-on understanding, and it has even allowed me to get a bit more creative with an excellent Architectural Engineering project I did in my third year.