Meet Dr Cliff Dansoh

How did you choose your subject?

I have spent most of my life in industry. Having started in the Royal Navy and then through a range of consultancy roles I have been lucky enough to experience a variety of diverse types of engineering and ways of getting things done. This journey has impressed upon me the merits of not only being technically competent, but:

• Having the vision and creativity to establish what needs to be done; and
• The implementation skills, competencies and behaviours to have the best chance of actually achieving the end.

What are you most proud of in your career?

I worked for London Underground in a variety of consultancy roles over several years. On the rare occasions these days that I travel on the London Underground, I have a spark of pride when an S Stock train comes into view having spent 3 years as part of the team that bought it into service.

How does your work relate to the addressing of global challenges?

It is expected that there will be a significant increase in the amount of engineering projects over the next few years as we advance technically to deliver societal benefits in such diverse areas as:

•             The food chain

•             Water

•             Energy

•             Waste management

•             Health care improvements

It is clear that the competencies that studying engineering provides are not only pivotal to delivering these societal changes, but will also be required in larger amounts. Therefore the need for Engineering Managers that can work across technical disciples within complex environments is very likely to increase over the coming years if the world is going to change for the better.

What advice would you give prospective students?

My advice to students is to explore the wealth of knowledge that exists and strive for excellence during your time at the University. I would also advise you to be kind, as if your career goes in the way we would want it to you will be in powerful positions in just a few years time. Kindness and decency in how you deal with others in delivering projects can be just as important as your technical ability.