Guidance, Control and Navigation Engineer Review

I worked in a small research team to look into a possible new concept. Day to day this involved coding in Matlab, editing models in Simulink, keeping an up to date presentation that showed all results and writing up all findings in a report. Additionally, there are times where it is required to present the research to internal and external parties. It is expected that I would look into possible next steps and discuss these with line managers to help progress.

This placement has significantly helped me improve my coding skills as my work was so Matlab and Simulink heavy. I was given access to many training courses that aided this skill and plenty of help was around to improve any code created. My presentation skills were also improved as I had the opportunity to present to various sized groups. This is something I used to struggle with, but now have much more confidence to present my work and answer any questions that may get asked.

As I was working in a small team with just my line manager and an expert in the field, most of my work was independent and required me to take a lot of responsibility. Each week we would have a catch up to discuss what had been done that week and what the next steps could be and then I would go away and complete the work. It was obvious from the beginning that they valued this work which helped me take responsibility for my tasks and take pride in the work produced.

There was a lot of support available during my placement. At any time I had a problem or a question, I could go to anyone in the department, not just the local team I worked with, and they would be happy to help in any way they could. People would always give any time they had to make sure I was supported and not left to myself. Additionally, the ECP HR team was great with any questions that were more general to the company and less department focused.

In my experience the culture and atmosphere at the company was great. In my department there was a large cohort of graduates that were very sociable so it felt very easy to settle in and feel welcome. There were also group chats that were created for the undergraduates, graduates and apprentices so that socialisation occurred in the wider company. In the department during the day it can be a little quiet but people are happy to talk and contribute where they can.

Overall, I've really enjoyed my placement as it's given me experience of what a working environment is like and exposed me to the complexities of work that is done outside of university projects. I was given the responsibility to take account for the research project and encouraged to give my opinions of what could be done which made me feel valued, especially when it was an idea that others hadn't necessarily thought of. I also really enjoyed being able to present to customers as this is an experience I thought would not happen for many more years.

Yes

Applications fill fast and they close as soon as they have enough applicants so apply early. Take time to check through application questions and ask questions whenever given the opportunity. The assessment centre may feel nerve wracking as there are group tasks, individual interviews and technical questions but try to relax and just attempt to answer to the best of your ability. Being 100% correct isn't always needed if they like your thought process and can see your logic.