Product Design & Validation Placement Student Review

Supporting the Design & Validation teams with various tasks, incuding; Computer-Aided Design (CAD), data processing, report writing, and specialist software use. Interactions are usually within the two teams, however there are some internal interactions with other departments within the company. External interaction is rare. Responsible for supporting various projects simultaneously, while reporting to the project leader and colleagues with frequent progress updates.

Learnt various hard and soft skills, the former being; training in specialised software (CAD, 3D printing, data management), as well as standard office programs (Teams, Outlook, Zoom, etc). Soft skills include bespoke training in; building relationships, communicating with senior people, developing your potential, difficult conversations, time management, and presenting.

Given responsibility for urgent and time-sensitive tasks, but always supported by colleagues with frequent catch-up meetings and availability to connect when needed. Also occasionally tasked with independantly educating myself on processes that are unfamiliar to the teams, by finding support internally and using external resources, and then providing results and training to the rest of the teams.

Extensive support recieved from manager and colleagues, who are always more than happy to help with any questions and issues. Regular training was provided to help enhance existing knowledge and build upon formal training qualifications. Student mentor also appointed throughout the year, who was in a seperate department and could provide unbiased advice and support.

Culture and atmosphere was excellent. Flexitime is available and company understands and supports individuals. Very welcoming experience and solid support structure for students. Opportunities to volunteer to local communitiy projects on company time.

Overall, really enjoyed placement. Provided invaluable experience into working life, and given new motivation for returning to university next year. Found working from home difficult at times (personally, due to motivation and lack of sociability), however this did allow for incresed flexibility and work/life balance which was a massive positive.

Yes

Sounds cliché, but you really will get out of it what you put into it. There is constantly more work and experience to get invovled with, and colleagues will always make time to integrate you into this. Personally, part of me wishes I had chosen to live closer to site as it is much easier to learn and socialise rather than at home. However, the flexibility is excellent and working from home is a really great option too.