Scholar Profile – Alfie

What appeals to you about electronics?

For me, the appeal comes from applying myself to something that I find challenging. Technically, electronics can be a very challenging field, and I enjoy solving challenging problems. Moreover, electronics as an industry is very important to contemporary life and is always driving advancement and innovation in technology; a career path which I find fulfilling.

Why did you want a scholarship with Semiconductor Catapult?

I was initially drawn to Semiconductor Catapult due to it being one of the only companies offering a placement year specifically in RF & Microwave engineering. This topic is something I had come across briefly at university, and I had found very interesting. Doing a placement year at Semiconductor Catapult allowed me to learn more about the industry and understand more about the day-to-day life of an RF & Microwave engineer.

My placement and its value

I have had lots of opportunities during my placement. Key highlights include travelling to Taiwan as part of the UKESF-Taiwan Joint Semiconductor Skills Project, a once in a lifetime opportunity. I was also given the chance to present some of the work I’d been doing on placement at a professional conference; valuable experience for somebody my age. Outside of that, learning industry-standard RF & Microwave EDA tools, developing both technical skills and soft skills, access to cutting-edge laboratory equipment and being able to learn from the wealth of extremely talented engineers at Semiconductor Catapult has been a great benefit to me both professionally and personally. One of the biggest takeaways of the year is the development in my confidence as an engineer.

What are your hobbies and interests?

I enjoy sports, particularly football (up the Villa) and weightlifting. I like to read and learn about history (I would recommend The Rest is History podcast to those interested). I’m a big indie/alt rock fan and one of my favourite activities is going to live music concerts/gigs. I am fortunate enough to have got tickets to see both Interpol and The Strokes this year, two of my favourite bands.