Maura Quinn

Chemical Engineering, 2019

Your current job title and employer:
Project Engineer, Estée Lauder Companies

What appealed to you most about Heriot-Watt?
Heriot-Watt has a renowned reputation for Chemical Engineering, not just in the UK but internationally. The course covers a large array of topics across the discipline, taught by lectures with a wealth of knowledge and experience. The University has many links within industry, which is drawn upon as part of the course, learning and industry experience - crafting a high calibre of intelligent, well-rounded graduates who are sought-after upon graduating. This is what makes learning Chemical engineering at Heriot-Watt particularly special.

What's your favourite memory of your time as a Heriot-Watt student?
My favourite memory of my time at Heriot-Watt is coming back to campus each September, starting a new year, in a new course. Spending time in the library, by the lake, walking through the wooded paths with friends.

Tell us about your career since graduating from Heriot-Watt?
Upon graduating, I started working as a project engineer at Esteé Lauder Companies. Achieving site business strategy goals by increasing plant capacity and managing capital expenditure projects such as chemical delivery systems, pressure vessels, processing equipment and construction of clean rooms. Leading multiple engineering projects from concept to completion, creating and reviewing technical documentation, engaging with stakeholders, managing budget and programme and more.

How has your Heriot-Watt education contributed to your success?
Heriot-Watt has a fantastic careers department which has numerous resources for all to access, such as CV reviewing, interview preparation, assessment centre exercises and much more. Heriot-Watt focuses on ensuring each individual has the right tools in their toolbox to land your dream job.

What advice do you have for current students or anyone considering studying at Heriot-Watt?
Make the most of it! When you're studying for exams you might think that you can't wait for university to end, but I can tell you that once it does end you will wish to be back. Make the most of the opportunities, the volunteering, the sports societies, the University trips. It will all be over very quickly and most of us only get this opportunity once. Studying at Heriot-Watt is my fondest memory.

What are your aspirations for the future?
For your career?
In the near future, to become a chartered engineer and in the distant future, to lead and manage a business.
For your local and wider community?
To inspire more females to work in engineering.