1. Matthew Dent
Address: 46 Besselsleigh Road, Wootton, Oxford, OX13 6DX
Tel: 07505026680 Email Address: Matthew.Dent@warwick.ac.uk
LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/pub/matt-dent/a7/848/282
Education:
2004-2010: Matthew Arnold Secondary School, Oxford
GCSEs obtained: 1 x A* 9 x A 1 x B
2010-2012 GCEs obtained: Mathematics: A, Biology: B, History: C, English (AS level): B
2012-Present University of Warwick, School of Engineering, United Kingdom
Reading: Automotive Engineering (MEng)
Current year of study: Fourth
Expected graduation year: 2016
Currently achieved level of degree: First Class
Covering Statement:
As a keen and enthusiastic engineering student, I take pride in my work and relish every opportunity to develop myself as
a professional individual. I have had the fortune to make best use of what is available to me in terms of work experience
in the engineering industry, and also my academia, pursuing many modules in automotive design such as propulsion
systems and automotive manufacturing. I have further reinforced my learnt academic knowledge through collaboration
with the Formula Student race series, working many positions including as Project Manager. I have adapted myself to
meet targets and maintain a high standard of quality in my work within time constraints. University has provided the tools
for industry such as CAD, FEA, CFD and other simulation tools. My CAD knowledge has been further strengthened through
my part time job within the Home Retail Group, where I have acquired a City & Guilds CAD qualification in interior design.
My engineering expertise predominantly lies within the field of powertrain design, manufacture and testing, although
through other studies and my part time work I have gained valuable insight into the business surrounding the industry. I
have experience in strategic planning, logistics, finance and pitching in a ‘Dragons Den’ environment.
Skills:
Developed high levels of competence and independence due to employment since age 16 working in a
competitive retail sales position. Firm grasp of time management and striving towards a common goal,
developing rapport with custom base, confident working both in a team, including leading/supervising a team of
people and alone creating and meeting personal targets.
Appeared in top 25 sales advisors for revenue volume in Homebase, generating £250,000 in less than a year,
whilst working alongside University studies on an 8 hour per week contract.
Comfortable working with a multitude of IT packages, inclusive of Microsoft Office, programming packages such
as MATLAB and C, and many different CAD platforms. Four years of experience using Solidworks and two years
using Autodesk Inventor, and achieved a City & Guilds CAD qualification in Interior Design whilst working for
Homebase, using 20-20 Design.
Very practically minded, working in many engineering industries such as consumer vehicles and in the
motorsport industry. Specific interest in vehicular powertrain, especially motorsport and high performance cars,
and have experience working on engine dynamometers and gearbox testing.
Spent three years in the University’s FSAE team, which led to reinforced technical knowledge, but also currently
employed as the teams Project Manager, leading a team of over 450 strong.
Highly flexible individual, worked with Engineering Society as an Outreach Ambassador, both promoting the
University and teaching STEM subjects to secondary school students from less fortunate backgrounds.
2. Work Experience:
Autosportif Engineering Ltd, Powertrain Intern (2011 to present) – Due to timetabling during secondary school,
spent two years working as an intern to gain valuable work experience for desired career. Developed engine and
gearbox design, manufacture and testing knowledge, and insight into data acquisition and analysis. Frequently
returning between term times to further develop as a professional.
Ho’s Motors, Vehicle Mechanic (2012) – Between finishing GCE studies and beginning University, spent three
months working for an MOT station, learning typical vehicular diagnostics and diversifying practical knowledge
into the field of consumer cars.
Homebase, Supervisor, CAD Advisor (2011-present) – Began work at age 16 to build savings for further
education, was actively recruited by a store closer to University after moving away from home. Worked for four
years as a supervisor for front end sales, and currently a CAD trained showroom sales advisor. Developed key
sales skills, and further recognition for targets. Currently one of the company’s highest grossing colleagues in
terms of sales revenue/hours worked, whilst working alongside studies. Success lead to invitation to complete
City & Guilds CAD qualification to further professionally develop.
Engineering Experience:
Design technical engineer for first year dragster project – optimize exterior aerodynamic shape and packaging to
house powertrain system. Project was successful, and the car managed to travel 10 meters in just over 3 seconds.
Powertrain design engineer for a second year submarine project – design and test using CAD, FEA and CFD to
develop a scaled down, gas fueled powertrain system to propel a submarine, project was one of few completed and
successfully tested.
Third year research dissertation – “Performance Optimization within Competitive Motorsport through Data
Acquisition and Computational Analysis”. Pioneered a Data Acquisition and Testing team for the Formula Student
team, and scored a high first class award. This project opened possibilities for further research and stemmed
additional projects for prospective third year students.
Fourth year group project – “Feasibility study for an electric FSAE vehicle”. In this project, I worked in a team of six
multi-disciplinary engineering students in accordance with a Master’s degree requirement to perform research and
testing in a field of choice. For this project, the task was to take an ex-competition Formula Student chassis, and
redesign the chassis to incorporate an electric motor, control and battery system to be used at competition at a
later date. My part for this project was to act as a design technical engineer, focusing on generating chassis design
ideas and best optimizing and tuning the powertrain system.
Warwick Racing, Formula Student – Working for the team for the past three years, roles included acting as a
powertrain engineer, data acquisition and testing engineer, and finally project manager due to enthusiasm and
knowledge base. In accordance with dissertation, pioneered a data acquisition sub-team, labelled as “Mr. Data” by
members of the team. Now achieved to recruit over 450 members for the team, involving business and technical
roles, and founded an independent business team to strengthen sponsorship, finance and marketing. Assisted the
organisation of a dynamic speaker series, inviting employees from Jaguar Land Rover, Deutsche Bank and niche
motorsport teams, and have formed an enthusiastic team to design and build a successful car.
References:
Mr. David Wiseman, Store Manager, Homebase Leamington Spa
Tel: 07855419957 Email: dajwise@googlemail.com
Dr. Rebecca Cain, Associate Professor, Warwick Manufacturing Group, personal tutor and module leader
Tel: 02476575951 Email: R.Cain.1@warwick.ac.uk
Mr. Howard Neal, Senior Teaching Fellow, Warwick Manufacturing Group, Project and Module leader
Tel: 02476575602 Email: H.G.Neal@warwick.ac.uk
Additional references available on request