How I’m an Engineer works

I’m an Engineer, Get me out of here is an outreach activity, engaging school students with people working in STEM.

By taking part, you:

  • develop communication skills
  • gain a fresh perspective on your work
  • find out what young people think about engineering

Everything happens online. Take part at times that suit your schedule, from anywhere with an internet connection.

One of the most rewarding, fulfilling, and thought-provoking periods I have had in science.
Deepak, Medical Researcher

Read how taking part benefits STEM professionals



💻 The format

I much prefer [text] to audiovisual. It feels like we can be more clear, more succinct. I can spend a few seconds restructuring a response and I think I would come across more coherent.” – Participant

It’s all online and text-based, no audio or video. All you need is an internet connection. You can join in from anywhere – the office, at home, on site, even during the commute.

You connect with students in three ways:

  1. Create a profile for students to explore, to learn about you and your work
  2. Engage them in real-time conversations during live Chats
  3. Answer their follow-up questions

Read about the advantages of text-based interactions ❯


💬 Live Chats

It’s flexible, enjoyable, and rewarding. It also makes you think about your work from a completely new perspective.” – Luke, Participant

Fast-paced, text-based Chats last 30 minutes. They provide an enjoyable, energetic, and immediate connection between you and the students. This is how they look ⬇️

A screencap of a live Chat in action with students asking scientists questions and scientists replying in real-time

I’m an Engineer offers a simple, low-risk introduction to public engagement. You choose which questions you answer and how you respond. Chats are fully moderated, so there is always someone on hand to make sure everything is running smoothly.

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📆 Fit your schedule

It’s like bite-sized volunteering I can really tailor to when I have time to engage.” – Georgia, Research Technician

We handle the logistics, so you can join in whenever it suits your schedule.

30-minute Chats generally run between 8:30 AM and 4:00 PM. The time commitment is flexible. We don’t expect you to attend every Chat! Let us know when you’re busy and how often you’d like to take part. You’ll only receive invites to Chats taking place on days you’ve told us you’re available.

You can log in to answer students’ follow-up questions at any time. We recommend leaving yourself up to 1 hour to complete your profile.

Read how I’m an Engineer fits a busy schedule ❯

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🙋 Students’ questions

You get all the questions as [students] think of them. It is unfiltered and informal which I think feels very comfortable, approachable, and genuine.” – Harriet, Engineer

I’m an Engineer is a student-led activity. This means students ask questions about anything that’s important to them. Respond to the things they really care about, to connect with students rather than talking at them. There could be questions about you, your work, engineering, or any other topic.

Questions like “Do you play video games?” are important in building rapport and showing students that engineers are ‘normal’ people with similar interests. This is one way the activity supports students’ science capital.

All Chats and follow-up questions are moderated by our Mod Team. They’re there to help and support you throughout the activity, and make sure all interactions are in keeping with our House Rules.

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🏆 Prize money

Besides the prize money, the fact that so many of you voted for me makes me so happy. Now I have proof that it’s not just me who enjoys these Chats!” – Rebecca, Prize Winner

During the activity, students vote for the engineer they think should win £500 for their own public engagement ideas. Each term, the person who receives the most votes is announced as the winner.

The prize money can be spent on school visits, STEM fair exhibits, videos or podcasts, blogs, arranging class visits to your lab or office… as long as it’s involving people outside of STEM, it’s a good idea.

Find out how past winners have spent their prize ❯

All participants receive a certificate as a record of their efforts in engaging students with engineering.

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🎓 The Academy

Taking part in both [I’m a Scientist and the Academy] allowed me to engage in active, reflective learning… Learning about science capital has really changed my mindset.” – Katie, Academy Alumnus

The Academy is a short online CPD course that runs alongside the I’m a… activities.

Access is exclusively for STEM professionals taking part in I’m an Engineer and its sister projects. The course gives you the opportunity to reflect on and evidence your public engagement experience while learning more about the theory behind public engagement practices.

Find out more about how it works ❯
Read about how it benefits STEM professionals ❯

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✍️ Who can apply?

I would recommend it to everyone, as you might also learn something about yourself along the way!” – Fiona, Public Engagement Officer

Anyone working in a field related to STEM is invited to apply. You could be working in industry, academia, or the public sector. You could be a technician, an apprentice, or in roles like comms or management. Take part to show students the wide range of STEM-related careers out there!

It only takes 2 minutes to apply. We’ll be in touch when we have the funding to support your place in the activity.

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Questions? Email us at support@imascientist.org.uk