Engineering industrial placement student Review

Working as part of a wider team to develop new turbocharger products. Analysing test cell data and summarizing in technical reviews to present to key stakeholders. Investigating failures and using DFMEA to prevent/mitigate the occurrence of failures. Hands on materials testing to understand it's microstructure and chemical composition. Working on large projects with real customers to deliver cutting edge solutions to move towards new fuel turbo technology.

Whilst on placement I have learnt how to stick to project timelines, and present deliverables on time. Working collaboratively with others on a daily basis, asking for help from subject matter experts has been a skill I have developed as it has taken away the awkwardness of approaching new people. My presenting skills have been improved greatly, as i have had to present my work in meetings and technical reviews. My understanding of failure mechanisms and how testing can help to rule out failures has improved also.

I was treated like a full time employee and was surprised by how much responsibility is given to placement students. I was working on real projects with critical timelines and deliverables. I was left to manage my own workload and to call out if I was not being loaded correctly. My knowledge and work was appreciated by every team i was with whilst working at Cummins.

The support was great, within each rotation I had a personal manager and weekly 1-2-1 meetings to discuss progress and any issues. All of my colleague were extremely open to help on any issue regarding work or general issues. there was an overall placement manager that could also be approached with any questions.

The company culture is the best I've experienced so far , i am a mature student and have worked jobs before working here. the company really cares about it's employees and arranges events to take part in as well as supporting up and coming engineers. It was a hybrid working flexi time contract meaning i could work from home to complete work 2 out of 5 days a week .

I thoroughly enjoyed my placement and I am hoping to return as a graduate upon completion of my degree. I have grown so much as a professional since working at Cummins and regardless of coming back or not I would recommend it to anyone.

Yes

Be yourself and show genuine interest in the company and what you are interested in regarding engineering. Understanding the basics of turbos will give you a good headstart.