by Sachin, BEng (Hons) Electronic Engineering graduate
Graduate Sachin shares how applying to UWE Bristol through Clearing helped give him a wider range of career options. Read his Clearing story.
When Sachin applied to UWE Bristol through Clearing, he wasn’t sure what the future held. He had already been working full-time and made the bold decision to return to education as a mature student. Today, he’s leading a European team at a global tech company. Here’s how Clearing helped him take the first step towards a successful career in engineering.
Sachin studied BEng (Hons) Electronic Engineering at UWE Bristol, a four-year course that included a placement year. He credits his time at university with giving him the technical knowledge and soft skills that have shaped his career.
Finding a new path through Clearing
Sachin had originally applied to study telecommunications at a different university, but when the course was cancelled due to low intake, he had to quickly find an alternative. With his sister living in Bristol, he looked for options nearby and discovered UWE Bristol’s Electronic Engineering course. It included elements of telecommunications and offered broader career prospects.
“I also really liked Bristol as it’s a beautiful city and there’s always stuff happening in Bristol beyond just university.”
He applied through Clearing and had contact with the admissions team and the head of engineering.
“I remember clearly because it was kind of walking into an unknown territory. But they told me that if I wanted to join, they had a place for me. That removed the whole stress I had.”
Support that made all the difference
Sachin’s Clearing experience was made smoother thanks to the support he received. He was given a tour of campus by a member of staff who answered all his questions. He felt welcomed and reassured from the start.
“You don’t know what’s going to happen, whether you’re going to get admitted to university or if you need to go and find something else completely to do. But the staff were particularly friendly and made the process seem easy. That gave me confidence that I was making the right choice.”
From UWE Bristol to a global tech career
Sachin’s time at UWE Bristol gave him more than just a degree. His placement year at Intel proved to be a turning point. Initially unsure about doing a placement, he took the leap – and it paid off. After graduation, he was offered a job at Intel and stayed with the company for 12 years.
Today, he works as a Technical Pre-Sales Manager for QNX, a software company that provides real-time embedded operating systems. He manages a team across Europe and credits his university experience for giving him the skills he needed to succeed.
“UWE Bristol helped me understand project timelines, how to work with people, and how to manage deliverables. Those soft skills are just as important as the technical ones.”
Advice for students considering Clearing
Sachin encourages students not to worry about applying through Clearing or comparing themselves to others.
“Once I was on the course, I felt no different from anyone else. Clearing doesn’t limit your opportunities. It’s just another way to get to where you want to be.”
He also advises remaining flexible and choosing a course that opens up a range of career options.
“If I’d stuck with the original course, I think my career would have been more limited. Electronic Engineering gave me more flexibility and opportunities.”
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