Blog Post:
When I first applied to Enspired, I was in my final year studying Mechanical Engineering at Loughborough University. Like many students at that point, I was thinking hard about what kind of career I wanted to pursue. I’ve always had a genuine interest in public transport (especially railways), but I didn’t have any experience in the industry. I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect, but I knew I wanted to explore it. So, I took a chance and applied with an open mind.
A Different Kind of Application Process
One of the first things that really stood out to me about Enspired was the application process itself. Compared to the long, impersonal and sometimes overwhelming processes, you often find at big companies, Enspired’s approach felt refreshingly human. I didn’t feel like I was jumping through hoops or being tested at every stage. Instead, I had real conversations with real people. From the initial phone calls to Teams meetings and in-person chats, the whole thing felt much more like a two-way street. It was about seeing if we were a good fit for each other and that made a huge difference to me.
Adjusting to a New Industry
Joining the rail industry as a fresh graduate was definitely a learning curve. It’s a very specialised field and, unlike automotive or aerospace, it’s not something that gets much attention in a typical engineering degree. There was a lot to pick up, from technical terminology to the way the industry operates. But the team at Enspired, especially Helen, were incredibly supportive. They helped break down complex topics, shared their knowledge generously and created a space where I felt comfortable asking questions. That kind of environment made the adjustment process much smoother and helped me grow in confidence early on.
What I’m Working on Now
Since joining, I’ve had the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects. Early on, I supported several hydrogen-related initiatives with our partners in Birmingham, exploring the feasibility of hydrogen use on the railway and powering specialist vehicles. More recently, I’ve taken the lead on my first project, which focuses on the maintenance strategy for a brand-new fleet of trains.
I’ve also had the chance to get involved in some really valuable extracurricular activities, attending events run by the Rail Forum, IMechE, the Derby Railway Engineering Society and Young Rail Professionals. Enspired really encourages this kind of involvement and it’s been a great way to meet people and learn even more about the industry. What’s been especially rewarding is discovering how supportive and welcoming people are. Everyone genuinely wants you to succeed.
A Broader View of the Rail Industry
What I enjoy most about my role is the variety. I’m not limited to one niche area, instead, I get to work across multiple aspects of the railway industry. For example, I’ve explored passenger information systems and automatic passenger counting technology. It’s given me a really broad perspective, which has helped me understand how all the different parts come together.
There’s also a fair bit of travel involved. I’ve attended Rail Forum events across the UK and even had the chance to go abroad for some project work in Europe. No two weeks are the same, and that variety keeps things exciting.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a student or recent graduate thinking about a career in the rail industry, I’d definitely recommend keeping an open mind and exploring what companies like Enspired have to offer. It’s a fascinating sector, full of challenges and opportunities, and there’s a strong sense of community that makes it a great place to grow.
