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We met with Olivia, a 13-year-old student with a passion for STEM, recently attended the Girls into Engineering residential course. After participating in another girls into science course the previous year, Olivia was eager to explore more opportunities within STEM, leading her to discover this course on Facebook. The Smallpeice Trust's 'Girls into Engineering' residential course invites 100 young females to join us for three days of STEM learning, getting hands on and meeting with industry professionals. 

An Enriching University Experience:  

Olivia’s journey to the Girls into Engineering course was driven by her curiosity and previous positive experiences in STEM. Having attended the Girls into Science course the year before, she was excited to dive deeper into engineering. During the course, Olivia particularly enjoyed the hands-on activities, such as making a maze and learning how electronics integrate with everyday health issues and life. These activities allowed her to explore areas that she doesn’t usually encounter in school, where the focus is more on computers and cybersecurity. The exposure to sensors and their applications was especially fascinating for her, expanding her understanding of how technology impacts daily life. 

Key Takeaways and Skill Development:  

One of Olivia’s major takeaways from the Girls into Engineering course was learning about biomechanics and how the human body communicates through vibrations. This knowledge, combined with the enhancement of her design skills, has empowered her to think creatively about how to design impactful products. The course also provided her with new insights into the wide array of engineering fields, helping her refine her interests and consider new possibilities for her future. 

Inspiration from a Diverse Learning Environment:  

Olivia found the aerospace topics covered in the course to be particularly inspiring. Her fascination with aerospace grew as she researched potential career paths after school. While she discovered that biomedical engineering wasn’t her preferred field, she was drawn to the practical aspects of aerospace engineering. This realisation has helped Olivia narrow down her interests within STEM, guiding her future educational and career decisions. 

Enjoyable Stay and Campus Life:  

Olivia was pleasantly surprised by her stay at Loughborough University during the Girls into Engineering course. Contrary to the horror stories she had heard from family about university accommodations, she found the rooms spacious and comfortable, with the added benefit of having her own room and bathroom. The breakout spaces provided a great environment for socialising with peers, and the food exceeded her expectations. This positive experience contributed to her overall enjoyment of the course and made her feel at ease in the university setting. 

Summing Up the Course:  

When asked to summarise her experience in three words, Olivia responded that the Girls into Engineering course was "fun, educational and interactive!" - reflecting on the informative nature of the course, which allowed her to explore new areas within engineering whilst having an enjoyable experience.

Career Aspirations and Engineering Insight:  

Olivia is still exploring her options within STEM, but the Girls into Engineering course has been instrumental in helping her clarify her interests. Although she hasn’t settled on a specific engineering discipline, she is determined to pursue a career in STEM, inspired by her father’s background in software engineering. Olivia’s exposure to engineering through this course, combined with her lifelong interest in computer science, has strengthened her desire to continue exploring and learning about how things work and how to build new innovations. With no engineering department at her school, she is keen to gather as much information as possible about engineering to inform her future choices. 

Encouragement for Future Participants:  

Olivia strongly encourages other students to apply for a Smallpeice Trust residential course, especially if they have an interest in STEM. She highlights the opportunity to try new things, make friends easily, and experience life away from home as key benefits of the course. For anyone passionate about STEM, Olivia believes this course offers an ideal environment to explore their interests and gain valuable insights into potential career paths. 

Olivia’s experience on the Girls into Engineering residential course has been a pivotal moment in her educational journey. The course not only provided her with hands-on experience and new knowledge in areas like biomechanics and aerospace but also helped her narrow down her future career options within STEM. As she continues to explore her interests, Olivia is now better equipped with the skills and insights to pursue a fulfilling career in science and engineering. This course has been a valuable step in her journey, offering her the tools and confidence to follow her passion for STEM.