Josh Degerness studied MSc Sports Engineering and now works as a designer at PING Golf. Josh wanted to combine his passion for engineering and sport into a career.

‘I love the product design process and playing or learning about sports, so the sports engineering program was a perfect way to fulfil both interests. I chose to study at Sheffield Hallam because of its great reputation for its sports engineering, with great program leaders and industry connections.’

Josh’s course gave him practical experience as well as vital industry connections which have helped towards achieving his career aspirations.

‘The workshop and industry networking events were a great opportunity to make future industry connections as well as to gain hands-on prototyping experience. They opened up relationships that eventually helped me secure my current job in the sports engineering industry.

‘The staff on my course were great because they provided the necessary support while also ensuring you were capable of learning and handling the content and projects on your own. They formed great relationships and offered guidance and expertise across the range of topics covered during the course.’

After completing his masters Josh secured a role as part of the design team in engineering development and CAD (Computer Aided Design) for new golf club products at sports equipment manufacturing company, PING, based in America.

'We work collaboratively with the innovation team to develop new technologies, our industrial design team to create an appealing product design, and the project engineers to ensure a successful product launch. In my current role I use project management skills, engineering analysis, and collaborative communication skills in working with a number of other teams.’

It was through skills learned on his course and industry projects that Josh developed the expertise he uses every day in his current role and that has contributed to his ambitions for the future.

‘During my masters there was a strong focus placed on consumer-centred design which I lean on heavily during my current role. Being able to combine the thoughts and needs of the consumer with engineering design and testing is a fulfilling challenge faced in the sports engineering industry. 

‘The industry-linked project is also a great way to develop project management, communication, and engineering analysis skills which are invaluable in my current role.

‘My future ambitions are to continue striving to develop and create successful sports equipment and tools which provide a fulfilling experience to the consumer, while providing further accessibility for all to enjoy the world.’