Ifeoluwa
MA/MSc Innovation Design Engineering
Imperial's Innovation Design Engineering course showcased a forward-thinking approach to STEMB education and an emphasis on creativity and real-world impact - this made it the perfect choice for me.
Ifeoluwa from Nigeria has always been passionate about utilising her creativity and engineering knowledge to create innovative new designs with real-world impact. She tells us why the Innovation Design Engineering programme is the perfect place for her, and how Imperial’s forward-thinking approach and transformative educational experience is supporting her personal and professional development.
Before starting my postgraduate studies at Imperial, I studied and completed a Bachelor’s degree in Information and Communication Engineering at Covenant University in Nigeria, which provided a foundation in network engineering, electronics, space-facing technology and hardware engineering. I also worked an industry placement as a telecommunications engineer at Huawei and after graduating, I briefly worked at Computer Warehouse Group as a Systems and Infrastructure engineer where I continued to develop my skills in that field.
As a Nigerian living in Nigeria, confronting the issues of the rest of the world daily, I’d always wanted whatever I did as a career to contribute in some way or other to making the world a much better place. This, coupled with childhood inventiveness, was why I chose to do engineering. Changing the world seemed like an unattainable dream but the opportunities Imperial has afforded me through education, innovation and enterprise platforms and access to experts and stakeholders has expanded my world view and made my dream very real and very possible.
A leading STEMB university
I’ve always been passionate about technology and innovation, and I knew that Imperial would offer me the opportunity to explore these fields in depth. Imperial is renowned as one of the best universities focused solely on science, engineering, technology, medicine and business (STEMB) in the UK and has a very innovative approach to delivering education with out of the box teaching and thinking. Being in London was also a huge plus for me – I absolutely love the city and have family here too.
The final tipping point for me was my discovery of the MA/MSc Innovation Design Engineering course itself, which is a collaboration between Imperial and the Royal College of Art. After spending time in industry, I realised that a lot of engineering roles often focus on optimising existing solutions or cost engineering, leaving little room for creativity. However, this course stood out because it emphasised the creative and technical implementation of technology to address real-world issues.
The focus on applying knowledge to create real-world impact was exactly what I was looking for in a postgraduate programme which would support me in my future career aspirations.
I could see the commitment to integrating creativity with technical expertise within the course and saw how it would produce graduates who were sure to stand out in their field. Imperial's forward-thinking approach to STEMB education and this emphasis on creativity and real-world impact made it the perfect choice for me.
The global Imperial community
At Imperial, I've had the chance to interact and work with people from diverse backgrounds and fields, which has broadened my outlook and taught me new ways of approaching challenges.
This global network has helped me form valuable connections, both academically and professionally. I've found immense support through encouragement and career opportunities from people in the community who share similar passions and the same drive for innovation.
I've recently been accepted to take part in Imperial Enterprise Lab's Global Challenge Lab 2024 which is another exciting opportunity for innovative collaboration, this time with Tsinghua University in Beijing and the Technical University of Munich!
I’ll be joining the global cohort remotely from London and will be working within international teams to generate solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges, including how to meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
I’m looking forward to this experience which I’m sure will be incredibly enriching, pushing my skills and expanding my skills beyond limits I've never encountered before.
Ifeoluwa with another group project team - 'Jiddy'
Ifeoluwa with another group project team - 'Jiddy'
With lots of interdisciplinary collaboration involved in the course, I’ve found it easy to connect with my classmates quickly, spending late nights working together, laughing and bonding over shared interests and challenges. We often grab dinner as a team or hang out, strengthening our friendships that way.
My first group project still holds a special place in my memories. My team, ‘Bridgebreakers’, approached the whole thing with a sense of playfulness, infusing our solutions with creativity, freshness and enthusiasm.
Despite the challenging brief given, we shared such great chemistry, blending fun with a deep love and devotion to the work. This experience helped in easing any initial tension I had in connecting with the rest of the cohort. We quickly became not just teammates, but close friends.
A day in the life as an Innovation Design Engineering student
Discover what Ifeoluwa gets up to as a Master’s student at Imperial.
A day in the life as an Innovation Design Engineering student
Discover what Ifeoluwa gets up to as a Master’s student at Imperial.
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Extracurricular activities
I'm a member of the Design Engineering Society, which has provided me with numerous opportunities like taking part in make-athons sponsored by industry partners such as Huawei and P&G, and I'm a student ambassador, which has given me the chance to proudly represent Imperial while engaging with fellow ambassadors through various events and workshops.
Another society I’m a part of is the Advanced Hackspace, which serves as an innovative makerspace for bringing ideas to life. It's an environment where members can work on their projects with support from the community and talented technicians. The Imperial Enterprise Lab is also a wonderful resource that I’m looking forward to taking advantage of when I find my ‘big idea’ that will generate as much positive change as I can for the world.
I highly recommend taking the time to explore and engage with societies and clubs that align with your interests and goals as there’s immense value in getting involved. Extracurricular activities can really enhance your overall university experience and provide valuable networking opportunities.
Have an idea you'd like to bring to life?
Imperial has some of the best-resourced entrepreneurship and innovation facilities in the country, providing support to develop your ideas and entrepreneurial mindset, skills and networks.
Life in London
Living in London as an international student has been quite the experience. There are moments when the weather can make it feel a bit gloomy, but overall, life in London has been positive with countless opportunities for me to explore and grow.
I've taken advantage of various cultural events and professional networking opportunities such as Women in STEMB events that I probably wouldn't have had access to back home.
The city's historic buildings are also so wonderful to see, with my department in one of the iconic buildings right on Exhibition Road where Imperial’s South Kensington Campus is based.
Being a design engineer, I’m so lucky to have four museums right on my doorstep, all acting as sources of inspiration. Studying so close to where the heart of design and engineering flourishes and is celebrated is really motivating.
From my course perspective, London has it all – innovation, fresh ideas, context-driven design abilities and inclusive design. My advice to make the most of living in London is to immerse yourself in different cultures and explore beyond your comfort zone. Take advantage of the countless opportunities for personal and professional growth that this city has to offer. Oh, and always carry an umbrella!
Plans for the future
After graduation, my plan is to work somewhere where I can apply my innovation, design and engineering skills to tackle real-world challenges and make significant impact. I’m not afraid to redefine set standards in industry or flip certain ways of doing things entirely. As a humanity-centred innovator, designer and engineer, I’m always looking at how things can be done better for people and the planet.
I’ve made good use of Imperial’s Careers Service to explore internship opportunities. I’ve also received guidance on career development and have been grateful for how involved Imperial is in helping students with planning their future.
Get a head start in a world top 10 city for graduate employment (QS Best Student Cities 2024)
With strong industry links and a variety of businesses nearby, you’ll enjoy plenty of opportunities to gain industry experience in London, within and outside the curriculum.
My advice for Master's students
If you're looking for a solid education at a university at the forefront of innovative partnerships and collaborations and want to be a part of driving positive change in the world, definitely apply!
Once you're here, embrace every opportunity to collaborate, innovate and push the boundaries of your focus. Engage with the vibrant community at Imperial, participate in extracurricular activities, and build meaningful connections with fellow students and industry professionals. Keep an open mind, stay curious and grow. Your interests and goals will probably change as you study, so stay flexible and adapt.
It’s been a humbling experience having to confront the world, its inadequacies and complexities through education with some of the best minds, and one I wouldn’t have anywhere else in the world.
It’s been a humbling experience having to confront the world, its inadequacies and complexities through education with some of the best minds, and one I wouldn’t have anywhere else in the world.
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