During his time at UCL, Shadi Madieh pursued a BEng in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, graduating with First Class Honours. From the outset, he embraced both the technical and interpersonal aspects of the programme - opting for a software development minor and actively participating in collaborative, scenario-based team projects. These experiences, combined with tailored career support from UCL and the department’s strong industry reputation, helped Shadi build a well-rounded skill set and the confidence to pursue competitive opportunities - including a summer internship at Amazon that led directly to his current role.
What attracted you to pursue Electronic and Electrical Engineering at UCL, and how did the programme prepare you for your career?
Pursuing my undergraduate degree in Electronic and Electrical Engineering at UCL is a decision I am thankful to have made. The avenues it opened up to me, both during and after the degree, are immense—from learning exciting concepts in electronics to selecting a software development minor and applying this knowledge during teamwork-based scenario exercises. These projects made excellent talking points during interviews and allowed me to showcase my capabilities. UCL also offered strong career support through CV workshops and one-to-one career advisor meetings, while the department’s excellent reputation gave me a competitive edge, particularly in the early stages of job applications.
What key skills from your degree have been most valuable in your current role at Amazon?
The transferrable skills I gained throughout the degree are the ones I rely on most in my day-to-day work. While I certainly use technical knowledge, the most influential elements have been teamwork, communication, and real-world problem-solving—skills developed through the programme’s focus on practical, scenario-based learning.
Looking back, what was your experience like as a student? Any standout moments or challenges?
It’s a demanding degree that requires focus and resilience, but the learning outcomes and doors it opens make the effort worthwhile.
How did you manage academic work alongside extracurriculars and internships?
UCL has a fantastic range of clubs and societies—I got involved with the Fleming Society (EEE’s departmental society), as well as tennis and the hiking club. Balancing these with studies required good time management. I also took advantage of more relaxed periods in the academic year to participate in extracurriculars—though I’d advise reserving spring break before exams entirely for revision.
For internships, I applied widely—50 to 100 applications starting in September of my second year—and secured a summer internship with Amazon, which ultimately led to my current role.
What advice would you give students aiming for a similar career?
Aim high and don’t be afraid to take up opportunities—even the small ones. You never know which might become the stepping stone to something bigger.
Were there any professors, courses or projects that had a lasting impact?
Absolutely. My final-year project, which I self-proposed and developed under the supervision of Dr. Martyn Fice, was pivotal. It involved designing a system that communicates via RF and Visible Light Communication. The structured planning approach, risk assessments, and roadmap creation have directly translated to the project management skills I use at Amazon today.
How did you find the transition from university to the professional world?
One of the biggest differences is the level of self-direction required. As a student, project scopes are usually defined for you, but in the workplace, you often need to create your own deliverables and set your own deadlines. It’s a shift that requires proactivity and initiative.
What’s your top piece of advice for students entering their final year?
Work on your soft skills—especially teamwork and communication. Group work during the degree is a great simulation of real-world collaboration, so treat it as practice for your future career.
Do you still keep in touch with your coursemates?
Absolutely! I still live in London and remain close with several friends from the course. In fact, we recently organised a weekend hike up Scafell Pike together.
