糖心原创

Ethan Page-Mason

Ethan Page-Mason, mechanical engineering graduate and junior mechanical engineer

This insight is part of our Skills Beyond Sport series involving Nottingham graduates.

During my time studying mechanical engineering at the 糖心原创, rowing was my driving force outside of academics.

I was deeply involved in the , serving on the committee first as Boatman and then as President.

The time I devoted to the club was later recognised through the Vice-Chancellor’s Medal and being named .

Engineering and rowing - worlds apart?

Today, I work as a junior mechanical engineer at , contributing to the design and development of superconducting magnets for particle accelerators, MRIs, quantum computing, and scientific experiments.

I am also still involved in rowing through coaching in my free time, leading a junior year group and continuing to build and pass on the teamwork, communication and leadership skills that sport has given me.

While engineering and rowing might seem worlds apart, the collaborative environment, focus, and communication required to build a high-performing sports club are the same traits needed to succeed in complex, high-stakes engineering projects.

Sport is an incredible training ground for the professional world and teaches you how to perform as part of a high-performing team, while developing highly transferable skills that are hugely valued in the workplace.

Building core skills: Leadership, community, and communication

Taking on committee roles involved managing large groups of athletes, coordinating coaching staff, and overseeing a substantial operating budget. Responsibilities like these throw you in at the deep end and become a real masterclass in leadership, while also showing how important clear communication is when bringing together athletes, coaches and volunteers.

I believe that fostering a collaborative, inclusive environment is what drives performance improvement, and sport teaches that lesson perfectly.

When a community unites behind a shared vision, whether that is climbing the national rankings or launching an outreach initiative like to introduce hundreds of local children to the water, the impact can be profound.

Communication is the thread that ties this all together. Whether liaising with university staff, drafting policies, briefing athletes, or building relationships beyond the university through the wider community, clear and adaptable communication is essential in sport.

Being an athlete also taught me how important communication is within a team, both in understanding different perspectives and in working effectively towards a shared goal. That ability to build alignment and trust not only strengthens performance, but also helps create valuable connections and networks that can support your career long after university.

Today, I draw on those same communication skills when taking part in engineering design reviews, writing technical reports, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.

Standing out in the job market

Extracurricular sporting experience can really help you stand out. Employers are not only looking for academic knowledge, but also for evidence of teamwork, initiative and the ability to take responsibility in real-world situations.

My time on committee, where I was responsible for maintaining the fleet and managing valuable club equipment, gave me exactly that. It provided clear examples of hands-on problem-solving, organisation and accountability that I could draw on when speaking to employers.

When interviewing for my current role, I was able to connect my experience of leading equipment procurement and delivering major spending plans for the boat club to the project management and practical problem-solving required in engineering. Sport offers tangible evidence of dedication, reliability and a strong work ethic.

Mindset and workplace transition

Transitioning from university to the workplace can feel daunting, but being involved in sport helps prepare you for that shift.

After chairing committee meetings, overseeing the recruitment of coaches, and managing the complex logistics of transporting dozens of boats and athletes to national events, stepping into a professional environment felt far more manageable. It gave me confidence that I could take responsibility, stay organised, and perform under pressure.

Sport builds resilience, teaches you how to stay composed in demanding situations, and encourages you to approach problems methodically. Just as importantly, the network of university staff, alumni, coaches and external partners you meet through sport helps build your confidence and professional awareness long before you graduate.

Advice to current students

Get involved in sport and don’t be afraid to take on responsibilities that push you out of your comfort zone.

You don’t have to join a club just to compete; it is also a great way to learn how to manage your time, build a positive culture, lead a team and meet people. These are exactly the kinds of transferable skills that employers value.

Whatever career path you choose, the experiences, mindset and community you gain through sport can provide a strong foundation and have a lasting impact on your professional future.

If you're interested in articulating the skills you've gained during your sporting activities for job or further study applications, book an appointment with a careers adviser.