This week’s graduate spotlight highlights Kaya Marks, a graduate from our BSc (Hons) Sound, Light, and Live Event Technology programme. Starting with an interest in sound engineering, Kaya’s career evolved into electronics and product development, and he now works as a Design Engineer at Seiche. His career in electronics spans various industries, including underwater acoustics, aerospace, and telecommunications. Kaya’s ability to adapt and grow within his field speaks to the solid foundation and research skills developed during his time at Derby, setting him up for a diverse and thriving career.
Kaya Marks, Class of 2013
Hometown:
Bovey Tracey
Current location:
Bovey Tracey
Current job + employer:
Seiche, Design Engineer
What did you do/study prior to coming to Derby?
Music production at college.
Why did you choose to go to the University of Derby?
Looked like the best course for the subject.
Did you start the course with a specific focus or were you undecided?
Yes, sound engineering was the intention.
Did that focus change on the course? If so, how?
Yes. Started to be more interested in electronics and decided that with a baby on the way I didn’t want to be pushing flight cases at 3am.
Has that focus changed on graduating? If so, how?
Not really, still keen to learn more in this area.
What was the most useful thing you learned on the course?
Aside from the actual content, learning to conduct research and experiments was really useful.
What did you learn on the course that you thought you’d never use, but that has come in handy during your career?
Some of the theory on light has come in useful lately.
What did you do on the course that you never thought you would enjoy?
Electronics and programming
What was your favourite establishment in Derby (pub, bar, club, restaurant, etc.)?
Saddlers
What is your most memorable moment from Derby?
House parties. No better house parties when your friends have all the kit!
What/who at Derby most influenced your life, and how/why?
Probably my friends. We were really close at uni and have remained in touch daily.
What would you say to a Derby first year student, knowing what you know now?
Embrace the curriculum, you’ll never know what path you’ll take at the end. Challenge yourself to do the difficult module.
What have you done professionally since graduating?
Electronics technician for underwater acoustics company
Electronics technician for space telecom company
Calibration engineering for aerospace/defence company
Product development engineer for optics telecom
Have any Derby alumni or staff opened any doors for you? If so, who?
No
What is your most memorable moment from your career so far?
Probably traveling to America to characterise air guns used for oil exploration. This was important as the effects to marine mammals was largely unknown and relied on simulated data for dispersion pattern.
What are your future career plans/ambitions?
More electronics and programming!