Machine Design and Development Engineer Review

The placement was enjoyable but also allowed me to see that this was not the industry I intended to follow. I did however enjoy the projects given and also activities such as learning to drive and operate the machines. I do feel some of the projects could have been more challenging.

I felt integrated into my team and due to my job role involving interacting with several teams throughout the placement I was able to meet many members of the office; all of which were very accommodating. Due to the relatively short time spent here however it can be a struggle to build a trusting work relationship with everyone.

My supervisor was excellent, providing ample support despite being very busy most of the time. He was usually able to help me himself or direct me to those in the office who would be able to help. We also met every other week to discuss my projects, achievements, and concerns so these could be addressed.

My workload fluctuated but I usually had a wide variety of projects on at any one time, which with correct time management were able to maintain a consistent workload; returning to one at the stall of another. Despite having many projects at once, I do not feel I was ever under too much pressure and was able to defer incoming projects if I felt I did not have time to accommodate them.

I was given a good level of responsibility within most projects, usually left to lead a project myself, even being asked to chair a meeting in the third quarter. However I was also aware of my status as a placement student within some projects due to being volunteered for some of the more menial tasks.

I believe I have learnt a better understanding of the industrial process and the work involved in the completion of a full design cycle. I have also been able to take part in industry specific technical training not taught at university. Furthermore I have been able to see this is not the industry I wish to pursue which has helped me realise the career path I wish to take, something I was unsure of before starting.

The atmosphere within the office was usually light but still within the confines of a working office. For example non work related conversation was usually light but brief due to wanting to return to work. Colleagues were however generally polite and friendly, and I did not feel any reservations about approaching others for help.

The placement scheme was generally well organised, with training schedules and activities planned in advance. However only graduates were able to take part in some activities or visits. There was a bi-weekly meeting for placements and graduates to come together and discuss activities we wished to take part in, within or outside of work.

I was able to take part in informal training sessions led by fellow engineers and available to the whole engineering team. The training provided specifically to placements outside of these sessions was not extensive however, mostly relating to safety and office ergonomics training. I was however trained to operate the machines built in the facility.

The graduate scheme is appealing as it involves rotations within different business areas, and I believe I would be welcome to join the company should I wish to. However I don’t think this is the industry I wish to pursue and so due to factors outside of the company’s control I am unlikely to pursue future employment.

The placements and graduates generally got on well, engaging in social activities outside of work. A colleague also organised occasional work nights out which involved colleagues from across the business. This gave a good platform for engaging and befriending others who you may not usually have any need to speak to.

My housemates and I were able to get a relatively good deal on our house, and similar deals were available but not always assured. Generally Leicester is a fairly average city in terms of cost, with a variety of activities, and surrounded by cities such as Birmingham with alternative options.

Due to Leicester being a university city there was ample opportunity to engage in nightlife, and due to the success of Leicester city football club in the league this year there were plenty of festivities to take part in. The city has a wide range of clubs and pubs and Birmingham and Coventry are close enough to provide alternatives.

Outside activities were often discussed in the graduate and placement forum, with everyone generally up for taking part in fun and interesting activities such as paintball or laser tag. Friendship groups also organised activities themselves outside of work such as nights out and meals. As mentioned previously there were also work led nights out which were an opportunity to meet others within the team.