Anthony McMahon (EngD 2003-07)

I am 39 years old and originally graduated from the University College of Wales (Bangor) with BEng and MEng degrees in 1988. I have worked for both military and commercial companies, most recently as Technical Director of Strand Lighting in Fife . Strand produce control systems for entertainment lighting, traditionally theatre and TV, but more recently other areas: distributed controls for hotels, airports, shopping malls and theme parks. In 2001 I became a self-employed engineer/consultant.

The possibility of taking a mid-career break for a sabbatical of any reasonable duration and substance seemed pretty remote. Yet the advantages of "mid-career training" can be great. Most engineers try to keep up with technological advances and new techniques as they progress through their careers, but the need to focus on specific areas leaves pieces of the jigsaw missing. Also, an engineer can benefit greatly by taking a step back from the skills and knowledge developed along the way, and formalising them through education.

In contrast to a PhD, the EngD offers the opportunity to stay in industry, get that educational boost, and sit a doctorate. The EPSRC stipend also makes it a financial feasible prospect.

The EngD programme was suggested to me by the University of Strathclyde 's Signal Processing Group; at the time I was designing DSP systems for Clyde Broadcast, an audio company providing radio-broadcast products and solutions.

My sponsors, Steepest Ascent, sees a substantial R&D resource through the EngD programme, and have the opportunity to support the educational advance of the industry.

The annual training grant, which is granted in addition to the EPSRC stipend, also makes it possible to pursue your specialised educational and industrial goals. I attend the Audio Engineering Society conferences and exhibitions. For 2005 I will be attending the AES UK conference in Cambridge and the main European AES conference in Barcelona.

The EngD has provided me with a solid opportunity to take a mid-career sabbatical without dropping out of industry. For me this will mean a more rewarding career in many ways!