Process Engineering Industrial Placement Review

Supporting manufacture and projects in my assigned production area by taking on process engineering tasks. This includes control software change controls (working with Automation engineers to make changes to and fix issues with the plant control software, and following company GMP procedures to document the change), support with plant modifications, ad-hoc process engineering calculations, support with validation and compliance, commissioning of new plant/changes to plant, HAZOPs

I've had the opportunity to work on a wide variety of projects, with real responsibility and impact. I've developed technical skills in problem solving and applying process engineering principles, confidence on plant, familiarity with control software and automation, communication and teamwork with a variety of people (other process engineers, plant engineers, process technicians, mechanical fitters etc.), awareness of GMP principles, and confidence in presenting, public speaking, and communicating technical information.

Yes - for most of the projects/tasks I worked on, if I wasn't doing it then my manager or process engineering colleagues would be working on it as a matter of priority. I often took responsibility for time-sensitive tasks to support production, e.g. resolution of plant control software issues to enable manufacture.

I had monthly 1:1 meetings with my manager to discuss my work and progress, and several 1:1s with the director of my department. There is an Early Talent lead at my site who held monthly meetings with the placement students alongside 1:1s to specifically discuss our development.

It's a very friendly and relatively casual atmosphere since its a manufacturing site

It's been a very valuable and enjoyable experience. I've learned a lot this year and found that I really enjoy working as a process engineer supporting production. It has given me more clarity in what I want to pursue for my future career.

Yes

Interviews/assessment centers usually have a strengths-based interview, a technical interview and a presentation on a case study or problem that you have been sent beforehand. For the technical/case study part, I'd recommend brushing up on process engineering fundamentals (like things you learned in 1st year or 2nd year) and during the interview, stay calm and try to explain your thought process even if you don't know the answer.