Ivanilson - Transforming Engineering
Ivanilson Santos
Business Plant Engineer at Vinci Construction
BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering
Ivan’s passion for engineering led to him choosing to study in the UK, where he excelled on the Mechanical Engineering course, despite the language barrier. He is now working as a Business Plant Engineer on HS2 in the heart of Birmingham.
“I grew up being fascinated with engines, speed and optimisation. I'm from Angola in Southern Africa, and it was my dad who encouraged me to pursue higher education in the UK.
My journey started at Colchester English Study Centre (CESC), a boarding school for international students, where I studied a Foundation year in Business and Economics. I came across BCU when I was applying and visiting universities; it caught my attention because of its excellent facilities and great industry links.
The major challenge I faced whilst studying was the language barrier. When I arrived at BCU, I had been learning English for only a little over eight months, so it was a challenge for me at first.
Studying at BCU was a great experience; the campus and its facilities were fantastic and there was easy access to resources. The staff were always very supportive, and they prepared me for the industry I now work in.
After I finished my degree, I was offered a place to study for a PhD at BCU, which came as a total surprise. During my PhD, I worked as a Demonstrator at the BCU labs and as a Visiting Lecturer, which helped me to hone many of the skills that I still use today. My research skills improved significantly, and I got the chance to learn from experts in their fields.
Now, I work as a Business Plant Engineer for Vinci Construction on HS2. My role involves using business analytics and financial modelling to guide strategic decisions and collaborating with key stakeholders to design processes that drive company-wide innovation and transformation.
I evaluate and implement technology solutions to address complex business challenges and ensure compliance with HS2 requirements by identifying and amending equipment specifications.
Finding a job after university can be difficult for international students. You must be ready to accept rejection and not let it affect you. Luckily, I had the support of BCU's Careers+ team, which was crucial for me when preparing for interviews.
To be a BCU alumnus gives me a greater sense of individuality. I can stand as an example, for those who will come after me, that the university is producing educated individuals with a range of career options.”
