"My aim coming to uni was to leave with a job secured and having worked at BAE first as a Summer Intern and then as an Industrial Placement Student, I feel confident that BAE Systems is where I want that job to be.
It's also something that is positively promoted and really well supported here at Sheffield; from thinking about it, to looking and applying and then to being on placement, there's a dedicated team every step of the way."
"Throughout my placement search, the Engineering Placements team and the University’s Careers Service were instrumental in supporting me. They helped me enhance my CV and cover letters and provided valuable guidance through mock assessment centres.
Additionally, I found the department-specific placement vacancy newsletter extremely useful in discovering various opportunities. I also took advantage of the appointment support from the team, who were incredibly helpful in preparing me for interviews and helping me make informed decisions."
Rob - ASMPT SMT Solutions
“Take advantage of every single opportunity you can. You are there as a student to learn, so make the most of it. Ask as many questions as you can, try and get involved in any project you are interested or passionate about. Additionally, try and do lots outside the engineering sphere. If your company offers societies, clubs or sports teams, take this opportunity to try something new!”
Kiro - Spirax-Sarco
“My placement year has given me greater clarity about my future career direction.”
“Make sure to take advantage of all the resources to help you secure a placement, e.g. Engineering Placements team, LinkedIn, etc...”.
Will - EDF
“Tailor your applications to the companies that you apply for and be sure that you will enjoy the role.
Importantly, make the most of the year! It might be tough, but if you go in with the mindset to learn you'll fly through the year.”
Eloise -Renishaw Neuro Solutions
“Start applying early, keep a spreadsheet to organise your applications, and download the job description because they usually take it down after the deadline - it's good to be able to reference back to it during interviews!”
Nia - Airbus
“I have developed so much as an individual and an engineer. University can only prepare you for so much, but work experience is an opportunity you shouldn't pass up.”
Declan - Pfizer
“The competition is crazy so stay confident and don't let the rejections get you down. The company that ends up hiring you is going to be the one that is the best fit for you, otherwise they would've chosen someone else!”
Anish - Bentley Motors
“Be proactive: identify opportunities to add value, ask questions, and take ownership of your projects. And always say yes to anything - whether it’s a new task, a shadowing opportunity, a site visit, or a chance to meet colleagues from other teams. Saying yes opens doors, helps you build confidence, broadens your experience, and allows you to see how your work fits into the wider business.”
Phil - MetLase Ltd
“I have been offered a position at the company after my final year and currently my plan is to take them up on it.”
“If you get a placement year, recognise that it is purely about experience and nothing else. The money is typically minimum wage and the roles often aren't very prestigious, but it’s a chance to be in a place surrounded by industry professionals who are potentially where you want to end up.”
Himanshu Kriplani - Siemens Healthineers Magnet Technology Oxford
"Ask questions and seek advice from others who've done placements. Don't let rejections demotivate you, if you're passionate, it will show in your application. Companies don't expect you to be perfect, they're looking for curiosity, initiative, and passion.”
Abdulrahman Elbakri Hassan - Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
“Balancing multiple projects with tight deadlines while learning entirely new testing techniques. At first, the steep learning curve was difficult to manage, but it taught me how to adapt in a fast-paced environment.”
“The year has confirmed my passion for automotives. After graduation, I aim to pursue a career in high-performance automotives”.