We recently caught up with Camilla, one of the talented recipients of the prestigious Arkwright Engineering Scholarship where we discussed her experience applying for the Scholarship, her passion for software engineering, and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead. The Arkwright Scholarship is one of the most esteemed awards in the UK, aimed at inspiring young students to pursue careers in engineering and become the innovators of tomorrow. Awarded through a highly competitive process, the scholarship offers students not only financial support but also mentoring, networking opportunities, and hands-on work experience, all sponsored by leading companies and organisations.
A: In June, I was initially contacted about being selected for the Arkwright Engineering Scholarship, and I was both surprised and thrilled! At the time, I didn’t know whether I would receive the virtual or the full scholarship. It wasn’t until September that I learned I had been awarded the full scholarship, which not only provides financial support for both me and my school but also grants access to valuable resources. This includes joining mentoring groups, networking with other scholars, and connecting with mentors to guide me throughout my engineering journey. It's an incredible opportunity that will help shape my future in the field.
Q: Were there specific academic criteria or grades you had to meet in order to apply?
A: Yes, there were specific academic criteria, particularly in STEM subjects. I needed strong GCSE results and had to commit to taking certain A-levels related to science and engineering. The application process was quite demanding and spread over several months. These were the main application stages: a written application, a section focused on a project, an interview, and a written exam where I had to provide detailed solutions to engineering problems. For the project, I decided to code my own version of the game Minesweeper using Python, which was both challenging and rewarding. It really pushed me to think like a software engineer and demonstrate my programming skills.
Q: Your application was chosen out of 1,532 other applications, which is a huge success! What was the most challenging part of the application process?
A: The most challenging part of the entire process was definitely the interview stage. During this stage, I had to give a presentation in front of two professionals who work in STEM, which was nerve-wracking. They asked detailed questions about my project and my approach to problem-solving. It wasn’t just about presenting what I had done but also being able to explain my thought process and defend my decisions under pressure. It really tested my ability to communicate technical concepts clearly and confidently, which was a tough but great experience.
Q: Did you receive any support or guidance from teachers, mentor or other students during the process?
A: Yes, I received a lot of support throughout the process. Mr. Frohlich, my physics teacher, was especially helpful - he provided guidance every step of the way. Since the application was self-paced, I had time to think things through and complete it at my own speed, which was really beneficial. My parents were also a huge source of encouragement, and I received additional support from the school’s club. Having a network of people cheering me on made a big difference, and it helped me stay motivated during the more challenging parts of the process.
Q: The Arkwright Scholarship has seen a significant rise in female applicants in 2024. How does it feel to be a part of this growing interest?
A: It's really encouraging to see more female applicants this year, and I’m glad to be part of that growing trend. However, I do feel that it should be normal for girls to apply for scholarships like this without needing to highlight the difference in numbers. Engineering and STEM, in general, should be fields where anyone can shine regardless of gender. I hope we get to a point where it’s just expected that more women are pursuing opportunities like this, and the focus can shift more to our achievements rather than the fact that we’re women in these spaces.
Q: Can you tell us a bit about your interests in engineering? Was there a specific moment or project that inspired you to pursue this field?
A: My main interest lies in software engineering, and it really started to take shape in Year 9. I started coding on my own just for fun and as a way to challenge myself. It was such a great feeling when the programs I created actually worked! Python became my go-to language, and I’ve used it in many of my personal projects since then.
Q: The scholarship emphasises practical solutions to real-world problems. Is there a particular challenge or area in engineering that you are passionate about solving?
A: I'm really passionate about software engineering and how it can be applied to newer fields like quantum computing. Quantum computing fascinates me, and although it’s still something I want to explore in more depth, I’m keen on learning more, especially as I advance my studies after Year 13. Quantum physics also interests me, and I believe both fields hold the potential to solve some of the most complex challenges we face today.
Q: What would be your dream job?
A: I’m currently focused on gaining experience in software engineering and exploring what I truly enjoy within the field. My dream job would ideally involve working in software development, where I can apply my skills and creativity. One of the things I love about studying engineering is its flexibility; it opens up a variety of career paths rather than closing doors. This means I can transition into other areas if I find new interests along the way. Ultimately, I want to find a career that not only challenges me but also allows me to continue learning and growing.
Q: What advice would you give to younger girls who are considering a future in engineering?
A: My advice is simple: go for it! Enjoy the process and find joy in what you do. If you get the chance to gain experience in the field, follow that interest and see where it takes you. Don’t overthink it - just dive in and have fun exploring different areas of engineering. The most important thing is to stay curious and motivated by your passion.
To find out more about our opportunities visit the Sixth Form website.