For IMI Graduate, Ololade Olugunwa, building an engineering career is about more than technical knowledge. It’s about tackling real-world challenges, learning from experienced colleagues, and discovering new possibilities.
“If you had told me 10 years ago that I'd be building a career in engineering, I would've laughed. I definitely didn't plan on it.”
Early internships and placements sparked Ololade’s passion for engineering, showing her how theoretical concepts translate into practical solutions.
“Watching abstract processes come to life on a massive industrial scale, the relentless problem-solving, and the fact that no two days are ever the same, I genuinely fell in love with it. Now I couldn't imagine doing anything else.”
Learning beyond the classroom
Moving from university into industry has shown Ololade that engineering is as much about collaboration as technical expertise.
“I thought the hardest part of the transition would be keeping up with the technical depth of the work. The real surprise was how profoundly collaborative and human engineering actually is.”
Working alongside experienced engineers, plant operators, and cross-functional teams has helped her understand how different perspectives come together to solve complex problems.
“The best solutions come from pairing technical theory with the lived experience of plant operators, and cross-functional teams who see angles you would never spot on your own.”
Through cross-functional and global rotations across IMI, graduates like Ololade gain exposure to diverse teams and disciplines, building a deeper understanding of how different functions work together to deliver solutions that help keep some of the world’s most demanding operations running.
These experiences help graduates build the skills and confidence to grow, thrive, and create impact both on the programme and beyond.
Making an impact through real-world challenges
One of the most rewarding experiences for Ololade so far has been exploring how new product development process can be optimised across hardware and software products.
“It's a complex cross-functional challenge, bringing together teams across the business and across borders, from the UK to China, to make sure products flow from inception to launch without losing speed and quality.”
The project has given her insight into the processes and international collaboration involved in bringing products to market, while developing her understanding of engineering beyond a single technical discipline.
Learning from experienced colleagues has also highlighted the importance of making informed decisions when faced with uncertainty.
“The most valuable thing I've picked up from our experienced engineers is decisiveness under uncertainty; overthinking is the enemy of progress.”
This mindset is reflected in our Growth Hub methodology, which encourages colleagues to test ideas, learn from experience, and refine their approach before scaling successful solutions.
Building a career through curiosity
The experience has shaped how Ololade thinks about her future, encouraging her to stay open to new opportunities rather than follow a rigid career plan.
“I want a career where I'm constantly learning and acquiring new skills, evolving with the business and never sitting still in a comfort zone.”
For her, career development means embracing new challenges, learning from others and building the confidence to explore different directions.
This breadth of experience is a key part of the IMI Graduate Programme, helping graduates develop technical expertise, commercial awareness, and transferable skills while discovering where their strengths and interests could take them.
Advice for future graduates
Ololade’s advice to aspiring engineers is simple:
“Be fiercely curious and don't put pressure on yourself to know everything.”
She encourages graduates to embrace unfamiliar tasks, ask questions, and make the most of every opportunity to learn.
“As a new graduate engineer, you aren't expected to have all the answers, so embrace the learning curve, raise your hand for the 'random' tasks and aim to leave things a little better than how you found them.”
Her experience demonstrates how practical challenges, collaboration and continuous learning can help graduates build the skills and confidence to shape their careers.
With real responsibility from the outset, IMI graduates have the opportunity to turn their ideas into action, develop their problem-solving skills, and see firsthand how their work contributes to solutions that create value for customers.
Ready to unlock your potential? Learn more about our graduate programme.
