Undergraduate Systems Engineer Review

Working on requirements, safety and architecture deliverables on a real project alongside full-time systems engineering teams. This includes working with other specialisms such as hardware, safety, and software engineers in order to set good requirements which tally with what can be done.

I have picked up MATLAB skills which are relavent to my final year of university. I have gained a valuable insight into real development processes, and the immportance of being able to 'speak the language' of other specialisms in order to understand their challenges and opportunities. I have learned how to manage intellectual property protected by company, national and international regulations all at the same time.

My riles have included delivering safety documentation for as time-critical oppertunity, where failure to deliver to the acceptable standard would have meant a setback for the team. I have also been involved in real trials work where my ability to provide support at a moment's notice contributed to the success of the trial.

I came into the company with little to no idea what to expect of defence, yet I was able to begin working on deliverables within days of joining. I learned a huge amount from feedback on deliverables from sources inside and outside my own team, which is already paying dividend in my course.

Fantastic. Everyone was encouraged to step up and take oppertunity, instead of conatantly fearing thay they would be fired.

I had decided I wanted to return to the company as a graduate even before I had finished my placement.

Yes

Be really open-minded with regards to what you apply for - there are roles in defence which only exist there, so you may find something you like which you had never considered.