Customer Quality Student Engineer Review

It was a a truly enjoyable experience as I was able to experience both the business and technical engineering environments of an international organisation. This meant a large pool experienced professionals to interact with and learn from leading to a significant improvement of my soft and technical skills.

I was eased into the organisation at first but as time went on, I was tasked with crucial responsibilities that often provided a variety of challenges. This made me feel like an important member of the team and not just an assistant to proceedings. I would often take meetings with the customer alone showing the high of trust and belief that the management showed in me.

The fact that I had weekly reviews with my manager and daily meetings with my supervisor not only meant I knew exactly what I needed to do at all times but also meant that I could escalate any difficulties I had fora bit of a push by my superiors.

I always had an objective to achieve each day, At times when I had completed these tasks, working in the plant or the commercial business unit, It was always easy to find personnel needing assistance with their respective tasks. This was a great way to build work relationships and establish valuable connections for the future.

I was given good amount of responsibility reflecting from a sensible amount of workload with tasks to be completed weekly and monthly as well as a variety large of one off tasks that often spanned a time frame between 1 day to 2 weeks to complete. I was often allowed to choose and execute action plans for any tasks delegated to me.

Having returned to university, I have found that the soft skills I have been able to develop such as communication, problem solving and organisation have meant a much higher productivity rate for my university work and projects. Technically being able to gain experience in manufacturing processes,metrology and exposure to a range of mechanical defects, it is now easier for me to understand engineering concepts as I am sometimes able to visualize them.

This role came with the privilege of working at both the commercial business unit and the manufacturing plant. The business unit was of space that allowed more personal interactions due to the fact that there are much fewer employees. This led to the breeding of great friendships and working relationships. The plant was much more of a fast paced environment that does not allow for the easiest of personal interaction, but has a lot of activities in progress at all times. It was never difficult to find an interesting task to partake in. Both have really friendly personnel and fantastic atmospheres that could keep you smiling through out the day.

This was the first time this placement role had been undertaken. That being said I think there is a good structure in terms of the initial learning process, the gradual assignment of responsibility, and the learning outcomes. I think it was great that the placement is set up in such a way that on finishing you are prepared to take on a variety of roles in the organisation. Although, there were a few technical difficulties initially, it has all now been sorted out for future participants.

All personal training was given on a one to one basis with my Manager or supervisor. Although I did not partake in any external courses, I had the wealth of the vastly experienced Managers and personnel to draw from.

The future employment schemes are quite attractive with the opportunity to join a VIE scheme that sees you work in other countries for a couple of months. It has a very enticing prospects.

Yes, The scene amongst the placements students was great as we would often meet up for lunch, friendly chats, football banter and sometimes play games during breaks.

I was based in Solihull, which is quite a nice area. Unfortunately, that also meant everything was a little more expensive.

I was based in Solihull, It was quite a good scene for nightlife. Although i was only aware of one night club in solihull, it is in very close proximity to Birmingham which is filled with a variety of clubs and pubs that are sure to enable anyone have a great night.

Yes, I was able to get involved in a range of activities as there are facilities for different extracurricular activities in the surrounding areas ranging from football to swimming to golf and even dance.