Published on 06 July 2018
Scholarship award recipient Robin Watson has bags of energy after completing a marathon, playing for the university rugby squad and joining the rowing team.
But it’s energy of a different kind that Robin is now interested in pursuing as he graduates from the University of Sunderland.
The 25-year-old is keen to start his career in the renewable energy sector having spent the past four years studying Mechanical Engineering.
The former Southmoor School pupil spent 12 months of his degree working at Northern Aerospace in Consett before successfully applying for the University’s Sir Tom Cowie Scholarship, allowing him to spend his final year concentrating on his studies.
Robin, from Tunstall in Sunderland, spent three years working in between leaving school and applying for university. But he is now convinced he made the right decision.
He said: “I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do when I first left school but coming to university has really put things into focus.
“The renewable energy sector is something I’m really interested in getting involved in, either through a job or possibly a MA at university.”
Funding from the Sir Tom Cowie Scholarship helped Robin to buy a laptop and books to make sure his final year went as smoothly as possible.
He said: “In order to get the scholarship I had to fill in an application form and then do an interview. As it happened on the day of the interview, I was in Belfast doing a marathon, so I did it over Skype.”
After completing the marathon in 4hrs 27mins, Robin received the good news that he had been successful in his Scholarship application.
And it’s not just running which is keeping Robin busy. He has been a member of the University of Sunderland Rugby Society and has joined the Rowing Club in his final year.
He added: “Looking back, I’m really pleased I chose to come to the University. It’s been four great years and now I feel ready for my next step.”
Robin’s tutor, Derek Dixon said: “Robin is an excellent student who has maximised his potential at the University.
“As well as performing at a very high level throughout his studies, Robin took the opportunity to develop his employability through an industrial placement. This work experience, combined with his academic ability ensures Robin can choose his own path following graduation.”