Graduate Profile: Angel Dong - Automotive and Motorsport Engineering

University of Staffordshire BEng (Hons) Automotive and Motorsport Engineering and MSc Automotive Engineering graduate Angel was kind enough to provide us with some reflections on her time on the courses, and how these directly impacted her early career.

Hi, I'm Angel!

My name is Angel, and I'm from Northern Ireland. I studied BEng Automotive and Motorsport Engineering, graduating in 2025, before continuing onto the MSc Automotive Engineering programme, which I completed in 2026. I now work as a Suspension Engineer at Jaguar Land Rover.

How the course shaped the start of my career

Both courses played a major role in helping me progress into my career. The range of modules gave me the chance to explore different areas of automotive engineering and discover where my interests and strengths were. Through this, I realised I wanted to specialise in vehicle dynamics and suspension. Alongside the academic side of the course, opportunities such as Formula Student helped me develop important skills including teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and the ability to apply engineering theory to real-world challenges. These experiences gave me the confidence and practical understanding that helped me stand out to employers.

The value of practical project work and Formula Student

One of the most valuable aspects of my university experience was the practical project work. Through Formula Student and project-based modules, I learned how to approach engineering problems methodically, collaborate with different teams, and communicate technical information effectively. These are all skills I use daily in my role as a Suspension Engineer, and they helped make the move from university to industry much smoother.

Relevance of the course content

The course content was highly relevant because it gave me a strong understanding of the engineering fundamentals. However, the practical learning opportunities made the biggest difference. Formula Student, group projects, and hands-on engineering activities allowed me to apply theory in realistic situations, develop my problem-solving abilities, and gain an understanding of how engineering decisions are made in practice.

My role as a Suspension Engineer

As a Suspension Engineer at Jaguar Land Rover, I support the development and delivery of suspension systems across vehicle programmes. My role involves working closely with internal teams and suppliers to ensure components meet performance, durability, quality, and timing requirements. I also help investigate technical issues, support vehicle development activities, and contribute to achieving the ride and handling characteristics expected of Jaguar Land Rover vehicles.

Where my interest in engineering began

My interest in engineering started at school, where I particularly enjoyed maths and physics because I liked understanding how things worked and solving problems. During lockdown, I spent a lot of time watching Formula 1, which sparked my interest in the engineering behind the cars. That curiosity ultimately inspired me to study Automotive and Motorsport Engineering at university.

Reflections on my courses

Overall, the course provided me with the technical knowledge, practical experience, and confidence needed to successfully transition from university into a professional engineering career. It gave me the foundations to begin my career in the automotive industry and continues to support the work I do today.