Systems Engineering Industrial Placement Review

I did enjoy the placement and majority of time spent at the company. Mostly I enjoyed an opportunities to work in different teams and the very dynamic environment. I was often given a responsibility of tasks and I felt like I could take the full ownership of them. I enjoyed the challenges, however I did not have too many of them in first part of the placement.

Most of the time I felt like the colleagues trusted my judgements and my work. I often heard positive and constructive words regarding outputs I created and I felt treated like a full time engineer by most of the staff. Everyone was also friendly and always willing to help and explain things I wasn't familiar with.

I was always fully supported by my managers. They took time to introduce me to their area for every placement I did. Whenever I had questions, they were happy to spend time with me and explain me the concepts so I could fully understand them. They were always patient and respectful.

I was given a number of tasks and challenges all the time. From daily job to stretch assignments I had a chance to balance the work everyday. Even if the deadline was approaching, I was never pushed to finish work on time, as quality was the most important part of the work. I was never bored and had always something to do.

In two out of three placements I did, I was given very big responsibility. In my last electrical placement I took an ownership of the whole software testing task and I was treated like an expert in this area. I attended meetings and I was the main point of contact regarding this task.

I definitely developed plenty of technical skills in different areas such as systems or electrical engineering. Use of MATLAB will definitely help me in my final year as I gained invaluable experience using the software at BAE. In addition, I gained a lot of soft skills like project management, communications and team work. These will definitely be useful in every aspect of my life.

Most of the time there was no tension in the office and I could feel very comfortable. Most of the time colleagues would have a chat once in a while to take a short break from intensive work. Sometimes, however it was too loud and I found it hard to focus at times.

At the beginning I was not sure how it is going to be structured and I was told I couldn't move around different teams. However, once I discovered after a few months what was available to me and changed a manager, I really enjoyed the way I could do a number of different placements and learn a number of skills in different areas.

I was offered a lot of training. From daily tools I used, to hands on experience as trade training where I could try welding, burning and other trades. In addition, I attended trainings on export control, data security and outward bound trip, during which I could develop plenty of soft skills.

I really enjoyed the placement at the company and I will most likely be willing to come back after my graduation next year. The development offered during graduate scheme and the possibility of rotating placements gives excellent opportunities to learn and gain invaluable skills in the business and in different business units as well.

Yes, they regularly organized nights out and dinners, especially when the colleagues from other sited were visiting. Every time some team member left, there was a leaving do and a very good atmosphere around it. We also had Christmas meal and casual visits to bowling clubs etc to relax after work and bond with one another.

Accommodation in the area of the site was affordable and definitely lower than down south. My daily expenses were only slightly higher than what I used to spent at university, but that's due to higher income. Going out is not as cheap, however once in a while it was manageable.

Glasgow is a great area for Nights Out and there is plenty to do. Everywhere there are night clubs, pubs, bars and other entertainment centres. In addition, I went to many concerts of bands with high international profile. In such a big city, there is always something to do for everyone.

With a few universities and their students unions, sport clubs, societies etc. there was plenty to do and get involved in activities outside of work. In addition, Scotland offers great hiking destination in the area not far from Glasgow. It was very hard to be bored on weekends and all activities were great.