Because it’s not just students who benefit from education outreach
Natalia Wosek is a third-year systems engineering student at the University of Warwick, and the recipient of an IET Launch Scholarship.
While she appreciates the financial security this award brings, and the fact it enables her to focus on her studies and engineering-related extracurricular activities, Natalia believes the most valuable aspect of her scholarship is the access and opportunities it brings.
This is something she plans to take full advantage of, having been brought up to appreciate the value, and make the most of, every opportunity that arises.
Natalia was raised by a single mother who moved her over to the UK from Poland at the age of 12. As she grew up, she witnessed her mum’s strength and determination to secure a better life for the two of them, and provide Natalia access to a quality education that would shape her future.
“As I matured, I recognised the struggles my mother went through to achieve this, and this realisation became my source of motivation. She’s consistently been my pillar of support and this motivates me to work diligently and aim for great things,” she says.
“This is also the reason I decided to apply for this award, as I recognise the immense impact determination, support and opportunities can have on one’s journey.”
Applying for an IET Future Talent Award
Natalia first heard of the IET through LinkedIn, where she read about a fellow Warwick student being awarded an IET scholarship. Heading over to the website, and learning about the organisation’s Future Talent Awards, “I thought why not give it a go, as it looked like a great opportunity to connect with other people with a passion for engineering and technology,” she says.
She didn’t find the application processes very tough, noting that the questions were presented in such a way that if you knew what you wanted to achieve, and were already actively engaged in the engineering and technology world in some way, it all felt quite natural.
“I was just naturally talking about who I am, what I do and what I aim to go on and achieve,” she explains.
Enabling the pursuit of engineering passions
Natalia feels that being awarded this scholarship has enabled her to pursue her passions, which are helping her to grow and develop as an engineer.
This includes being part of Warwick’s Formula Student team, as Natalia aspires to work as a systems engineer in the automotive sector.
“Initially I was thinking about mechanical engineering, but through my university journey I realised I’m more interested in systems engineering. I enjoy the software side whilst also enjoying the electrical and mechanical, so I think systems is the perfect blend.
“As I started specialising in my second year, I also joined the Formula Student team, which gave me an opportunity to try it out practically, and I’m really enjoying it.”
Her experience in this team also led to her wanting to focus on electrification.
“I was initially a member of the research and design team, later invited to become the electrical and batteries team leader. Once I started designing the battery’s electrical and electronic components, I thought this is what I want to do. While Formula One sounds great, it was missing that aspect of sustainability that’s important to me, which is why I’ve chosen to focus on Formula E.”
Natalia has secured a placement for next year with a company that is focused on controls and systems for one of the Formula E teams and hopes that on completion of her master’s degree she might have the opportunity to join them as a graduate. Alternatively, she plans to look for a job at a company focused on sustainability and electrification, something she believes many automotive companies will be focusing on in the coming years.
Helping others along the way
Understanding the challenges individuals from diverse background can face, and having experienced struggles of her own, Natalia is passionate about extending support to others, which is why she jumped at the chance to support the South Africa Student Formula project, where UK teams get to work closely with a South African Formula Student team.
“This project holds special significance to me, as it aligns with my belief in providing everyone with equal opportunities,” Natalia says. “Through this project, my team and I aim to share our knowledge and experiences with the students there, enabling them to grow, develop and achieve their own goals. In the future I may have the opportunity to go over and work with them in person; something the funds from my scholarship would help make possible.”
Making the most of opportunities
Natalia is now taking every opportunity her IET scholar position offers to engage with the engineering community. This began with a trip to the Future Talent Awards Celebration event, which was held at IET London: Savoy Place, this spring.
“I’ve been trying to connect with as many people as I can. I feel like being part of the IET is helping me expand my horizons in terms of who I’m talking to, where I can be heard and what I can achieve. That’s really important.”
Natalia is still in touch with many of the people she met during that first event, and several of the scholars are looking to arrange visits to each other’s universities in order to see what they do there, and the different opportunities each institution offers.
Looking forward, Natalia is excited about the prospect of connecting with like-minded individuals throughout her engineering career.
“This award not only signifies a validation of my efforts, but also opens doors to a community of people who share my passion for engineering and technology. I look forward to the opportunities for collaboration, learning and mentorship this award will bring into my life.”
This difference your donation can make
She sends her thanks to the donors that back awards like her own, highlighting that they’re so important in helping students with financial support that enables them to focus on their studies and reach for their goals.
“Regardless of backgrounds, experiences or issues, everyone deserves an equal opportunity to excel, and these donations help enable this,” Natalia says.
Not only that, donors provide life-changing access to opportunities and experts that can inspire and aid the next generation of engineers through the support they offer their scholars.
Finally, Natalia adds, it’s a wonderful way of helping younger people to believe in themselves and their abilities.
“Sometimes someone might question if what they’re doing is good enough, and awards like these can give them that little push they might need.
“These awards are an acknowledgement of their capabilities, their achievements so far, and it’s a great feeling to have an outside party essentially tell you you’re on the right path, and to continue doing what you’re doing. It’s such an empowering feeling to know the industry you want to be a part of thinks you’re good enough,” she concludes.