During his time on campus, Mike met with academics from the School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering before delivering a talk organised by an Architecture student through ICE.
Speaking to students, Mike emphasised the importance of broadening horizons beyond technical excellence. He spent around 15 years in the construction industry having reached director level within six years of graduating. Mike encouraged aspiring engineers to develop leadership and management skills alongside their technical expertise and highlighted the value of finding strong sponsors in the workplace who can act as champions.
Drawing on his experience in industry, Mike reflected on how observing systemic issues in infrastructure delivery prompted him to question how engineering could better serve people and communities. This led him to join the Labour Party in 2015 and pursue a career in politics. He became a Labour Party candidate in 2023 and was elected the following year.
Mike highlighted the influence of his Loughborough education in shaping his ability to develop clear, structured arguments – skills he now draws on in Parliament and when contributing technical expertise to policy papers. He told attendees that “Loughborough changed my perspective on the world”, motivating him to work hard and aim high.
Now serving on a number of parliamentary committees, Mike spoke about influencing public policy and decision‑making as engineers and spoke of his current involvement in the Geotechnical Data Bill.