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An Industrial Placement Year is an excellent way to apply your undergraduate learning while still at University, you'll learn new skills, build business connections and have the opportunity to explore different career options. Over the last five years the Faculty of Engineering have sent over 1000 students on Industrial Placements, here are some of the reasons they think you should complete an Engineering Placement!
Would you recommend an Industrial Placement Year?
“Couldn’t recommend it enough. It will help you so much to acquire the skills necessary to achieve the role you would like to achieve. You also have an invaluable opportunity to build business relationships and gain security for a future role.” - Peter, Aerospace Engineering
Why should students complete an Industrial Placement Year?
“It's the best way to get industrial experience and be able to make a real difference to a project. I had a great balance of hands on and technical work with a lot of responsibility quite early on.” - Rhiannon, Mechanical Engineering
How was your experience of an Industrial Placement Year?
“This year has been an incredible experience and I’m so glad that I have had the opportunity. I didn’t really have any expectations going into the year but I’ve worked on some really cool projects, really developed my confidence and spoken to so many inspiring engineers. ” - Lexi, Aerospace Engineering
Why should students complete an Industrial Placement Year?
“My placement has shown me there is SO much more than what meets the eye in the company I spent a year at and I'm looking forward to getting stuck back in furthering my career. I have no words to explain how much of a positive impact it made on my career." - Parisha, Aerospace Engineering
How did an Industrial Placement Year?
“It helped me understand what sector of Civil Engineering I would like to go into, gave me a commercial awareness that you will never gain at University. Made me excited about starting a grad role - felt like a "try before you buy" year which is very beneficial. A full year gives you enough time to fully understand your role and work on a variety of projects. Gives you a lot of experience and knowledge that will make you stand out to companies when you apply for graduate schemes.” - Caleb, Civil and Structural Engineering
Would you recommend an Industrial Placement Year to other students?
“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.”
How has your placement year influenced your future career plans / what do you plan on doing after graduation?
"My placement year has given me greater clarity about my future career direction. By working on a wide range of projects and taking the initiative to network across departments, I discovered which areas of engineering I enjoy most and where I can add the most value. The experience has strengthened my interest in pursuing a career in control and systems engineering, while also sparking curiosity about related disciplines within the wider organisation."
What would be your top tip / best piece of advice for other students considering doing a placement year?
“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.”
What would be your top tip / best piece of advice for other students considering doing a placement year?
“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!”
How has your placement year influenced your future career plans / what do you plan on doing after graduation?
“I have been offered a position at the company after my final year and currently my plan is to take them up on it.”
What would be your top tip / best piece of advice for other students considering doing a placement year?
“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!”
What would be your top tip / best piece of advice for other students considering doing a placement year?
“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.”
What would be your top tip / best piece of advice for other students considering doing a placement year?
“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!”
What would be your top tip / best piece of advice for other students considering doing a placement year?
"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.”
What has been the biggest challenge you have faced in your placement so far?
“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.”
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