Industrial Placement Student Review

I completed 3 different roles on this placement. This involved communicating daily with colleagues both in person and via instant messaging and email. I was also required to attend meetings and encouraged to share my opinion on current business matters. Practical work is also an option and can be sought out as one of the rotation options.

I was taught many practical skills required for working with electronic components and systems. In addition, I learned how to demonstrate interpersonal skills when working with a range of colleagues from different backgrounds. I learned the importance of being proactive and seeking the experiences to best suit my personal development.

This was rotation specific. Some rotations allowed me to lead my own project, where I often found that I became the subject matter expert on the particular piece of work and colleagues were often directed to me to address any questions. In other placements, I was given less responsibility but was taken under a colleagues wing to learn other skills such as practical machining skills that I was not familiar with.

Support was lacking during the transition between early career staff. Nonetheless, once the new staff member was appointed, we received frequent check-ins to monitor our progress.

The company promote safety as a top priority which is reassuring to see. The workplace is extremely flexible which encourages a healthy work-life balance.

I enjoyed my placement as I feel that it offered a real insight to engineering industry within a large company. There were plenty of opportunities to learn and experience as long as I was willing to seek them.

Yes

Think about what types of roles you may want to work in before going. Aim to arrange your second and third rotations early