Mark Heard
A career with leading British technology company, Dyson, awaits former Bedford Modern School student Mark Heard.
21-year old Mark, who left BMS in 2008 studied a BA in Industrial Design and Technology at Loughborough University including a year-long placement in industry. “I join Dyson in July working as a graduate design engineer within the Research and Development department. The role involves designing and innovating new products, from concept, to testing and implementing for manufacture.
“I am delighted to be working for such a prestigious and innovative company who are market-leaders and iconic for the products they produce. It will be a fantastic opportunity to develop my skills alongside some of the top designers and engineers in the country,” said Mark.
With 10 GCSEs, Design and Technology at Bedford Modern School was something Mark had a real passion for. “This was complimented by the excellent facilities and staff which drove me to pursue a career in design. BMS staff offered advice and guidance on the right university course for my skills and I selected Loughborough University along with four other former BMS pupils.
“Even after leaving the School, staff have taken a real interest in how my education has progressed and it has been wonderful to maintain links with the School that taught me many of the skills needed to develop further as a person. It wasn’t just the Design and Technology department but the whole package including the extra-curricular activities that provided me with a platform to follow my chosen career path.”
For other students considering a career in engineering, Mark has the following advice: “I would recommend engineering as it is viewed as a great strength in this country as well as providing opportunities to travel around the world. As a subject, it opens many doors to a range of industries from product design to the automotive industry.
“One of the reasons I enjoy design/engineering so much is the hands-on aspect. It allows you to be creative and to see your product through to manufacture. Engineering is definitely the career for technically-minded people to excel and work on innovative projects.”
John White, Director of Sixth Form at Bedford Modern School said: “The Industrial Design course at Loughborough has been hugely beneficial to numerous former BMS students over recent years – we actually have five students graduating this summer. Mark is in the process of completing this particularly demanding course and I am looking forward to visiting to see the degree exhibition in the near future. Landing a role with Dyson as an designer at any time in your career is something special but for Mark to begin his career with such a world-renowned company is an outstanding achievement and we are all delighted for him!”
Paul Kennington, Head of Design and Technology at BMS added: “This just highlights the importance of choosing the right subjects. I have always maintained that to get into top level engineering and design both at university and beyond, Design and Technology is just the subject to put with Maths and the Sciences. Indeed over the years many Bedford Modern School DT students have done and continue to do this. My congratulations to Mark who is going to be working in one of the most creative and innovative environments in British industry.”
