From first-year student to industry professional: Gaia’s career-ready story

She wanted a university that would prepare her for the realities of the industry from day one.

"I chose Solent because of how direct the insertion into the industry is. The university has a world-renowned reputation for this field, and this course is widely considered one of the best in the world. Everyone in the maritime sector knows about Solent; in almost all the companies across the industry, there is at least one person who studied my course.

Designing a yacht takes more than just engineering – it takes an understanding of the elements and a deep passion for the sea. Solent builds that foundation from day one."

Turning classroom learning into a career

As part of Solent's career-ready revolution, students develop practical skills alongside industry knowledge, giving them the confidence to apply what they learn in real-world settings.

"The exposure at Solent is incredible, and it actually helped me land a job at Ker Yacht Design during my very first year, where I still work today.

Combining professional work with my university studies has given me a massive advantage. I get to immediately apply the theories, regulations and software skills I learn in lectures to real-world, high-stakes yacht design projects."

Learning by doing

"The way things are taught here is easy to follow and straight to the point. There is no time wasted doing things that aren't necessary. We master industry-standard 3D software, learn how to navigate complex regulations and use advanced tools to complete the entire design spiral.

By third year, we have the skills to design our own vessel. My major project is an 18-metre sailing yacht, which features a transformable, modular interior that pushes the absolute limits of parametric design. Through projects like this, we develop a complete vision of the whole design and construction process for vessels generally below 24 metres."

For Gaia, understanding the full design and production process is one of the most valuable parts of the course.

"The most useful thing I've learned is how to complete the entire design spiral. In just three years, we are made capable of having a complete, holistic vision of both the design and construction processes.

I know how my parametric design choices impact the actual production floor. That start-to-finish understanding is exactly what makes Solent students so employable."

Learning from the industry

Professional industry links are built into the course, giving students opportunities to learn from leading companies and build valuable connections throughout their studies.

"The maritime world is hungry for Solent graduates, and the university makes sure we are connected. We get weekly job alerts and frequently go on yard visits to see the production side of things in person.

We also get the opportunity to learn directly from industry giants like Sunseeker and RWD. Because of the massive alumni network, everywhere you go in the industry, you meet professionals who sat in the exact same classrooms."

Gaia also credits her lecturers with preparing students for the expectations of the profession.

"The lecturers ensure we understand exactly how the industry operates from the very start. Because their teaching is so focused and direct, they help us cut through the noise and concentrate strictly on the skills that employers are actually looking for.

They have supported me in mastering complex engineering tools and have always encouraged me to balance my academic workload with my ongoing professional role at Ker Yacht Design."

Looking ahead

With industry experience already under her belt, Gaia is excited about what comes next.

"My immediate ambition is to continue growing as a yacht designer, building on the incredible professional start I've already had. I am highly interested in pushing the boundaries of what is possible in yacht interiors and structures using advanced tools like parametric design.

Ultimately, I want to keep creating innovative, high-performance vessels and working alongside the best naval architects and designers in the industry."

For anyone considering the course, Gaia has one piece of advice.

"Solent makes you career-ready... but it's your passion for the sea that makes you a yacht designer.

My biggest advice to new students is to lean into that passion and take advantage of the direct industry links from your first week. What surprised me the most was just how quickly you can step into the professional world if you put in the work."

Find out more about our Engineering and Yacht Design courses.