What attracted you to engineering as a career and what led you to pursue Mechanical Engineering?

From a young age, I was always curious about how things work. My teachers often told me that I asked the right questions in science classes, and I was fascinated by both science and mathematics. It amazed me that so much of the world operates according to fundamental principles and rules that can be understood, explained, and even written down on paper.

As I got older, those questions became more focused on engineering: How do machines work? How do we convert fuel into useful energy? What exactly is energy? The more I learned, the more interested I became in understanding the systems and technologies that shape our everyday lives.

What first sparked your interest in refrigeration and ultimately led you to join Star Refrigeration?

During my second semester of Mechanical Engineering, one of the modules that everyone, including myself, feared was Thermodynamics. At first, concepts such as refrigeration seemed intimidating and difficult to understand. However, once I began learning the fundamentals, I found it incredibly fascinating.

I have always thought of refrigerants as something almost magical. Under the right conditions, they can absorb large amounts of energy and then release that energy elsewhere when needed. Understanding how this process works and seeing the science behind it sparked a real interest in refrigeration engineering. That curiosity continued to grow throughout my studies and eventually motivated me to send my CV to Star.

“From a graduate engineer perspective, the opportunity to work on site and then move into design is invaluable.”

When you joined Star as a Fast Track Design Engineer, what appealed to you about spending time in operations before moving into design?

My father is a retired quality engineer who worked in a refinery, and I went to a school connected to the refinery. For almost 12 years, I travelled past one of the largest refineries in India and saw huge pressure vessels and all kinds of industrial machinery. From a young age, I dreamed of working in large plants where there was a lot of engineering involved.

I was very surprised when I read the description of Star’s Fast Track Design Engineer role. A role that gives you the opportunity to work on site before moving into design is unusual, and it offered me the chance to gain practical experience first and then use that knowledge to grow my design skills.

Looking back on your time with the Derby operations team, what were some of the most valuable lessons you learned?

My time at the Derby branch is a chapter of my life that I will always look back on with gratitude. It was an environment that helped me grow both professionally and personally by providing the right balance of support, responsibility, and exposure to new challenges.

During my time there, I learned the importance of teamwork, building confidence in my own abilities, staying calm under pressure, and adapting to different situations. These are lessons that extend far beyond engineering and will stay with me throughout my career.

The Derby branch has played a huge role in shaping my understanding of refrigeration and developing my engineering knowledge. It would be impossible to thank just one person because everyone contributed to my journey in some way. Whether through guidance, encouragement, or simply taking the time to share their experience, the whole team helped me learn and grow.

Has your hands-on experience changed the way you think about refrigeration system design? If so, how?

Spending time on site taught me that even the best design on paper can create challenges if it doesn’t consider the engineers who have to build and work on the system. Simple things such as equipment accessibility, valve locations, maintenance space, and ease of installation can have a huge impact on the success of a project.

Site experience has also given me a greater appreciation for the practical realities of engineering. I understand the importance of designing systems that are reliable, efficient, safe, and easy to maintain. I believe this experience will allow me to approach design with a more rounded perspective and ultimately help me become a better engineer.

“Even the best design on paper can create challenges if it doesn’t consider the engineers who have to build and work on the system.”

What has been the highlight of your journey at Star so far?

One of the biggest highlights of working at Star has always been the people. Having worked in multiple roles and branches, the one thing that stands out everywhere is the quality, character, and professionalism of the engineers.

The depth of knowledge across the business is extraordinary. No matter who you speak to, there is always someone willing to share their expertise and help you understand a problem better. What impresses me even more than the technical knowledge is the character of the people. Everyone is approachable, supportive, and someone you can rely on when you need guidance or assistance.

I believe this positive and collaborative culture encourages you to become a better engineer and a better colleague.

What are you most looking forward to as you begin the next stage of your career with the design team in Glasgow?

I am excited to build on the practical experience I’ve gained over the last few years and apply it in a design role. Working on sites across different branches has given me a strong understanding of how refrigeration systems are installed, commissioned, operated, and maintained.

Now, I am looking forward to using that knowledge to help design systems that are not only technically sound but also practical and user-friendly.

What advice would you give to graduates or engineers considering a career in industrial refrigeration?

My advice to graduates or engineers considering a career in industrial refrigeration is not to focus solely on salary or job titles. In the early stages of your career, what matters most is your willingness to learn, your attitude, and your ability to grow from your mistakes.

These are your foundation years, and they will shape not only the next few years of your career but potentially the next decade or more. Be curious, stay humble, respect the people around you, and always give your best effort. The knowledge, skills, and relationships you build during this period will pay dividends in the future.