During my placement year, I worked as an Electronics Engineer at a PCB design, where I engaged with clients and suppliers, collaborated on project specifications, conducted design work, managed project progress and participated in business decisions. I chose to undertake a placement year to gain an advantage over other graduates and to experience a real work environment in industry. This opportunity reconfirmed that I had chosen the right career path.
I found the engineering principles I learnt during my course were invaluable during my placement because they allowed me to approach tasks with a clear understanding of the concepts and techniques needed to design effective solutions, making me more efficient and confident in my work. The highlight of my placement was working on real designs for actual clients and seeing the impact of my work being recognised and appreciated. I feel proud that the designs I developed during my placement are now being sold in the market.
My placement year taught me the importance of not being afraid to ask for help or advice. While working on a complex design, I regularly consulted with application engineers who were experts in their field. This not only helped me develop a working product more quickly but also boosted my confidence in presenting my designs to clients. My placement experience greatly benefited my future career, as it led to me being offered a graduate job back at PCB design continuing my role as an Electronics Engineer.