I also completed side projects including helping design tooling for the hybrid system cell block. I had to justify my engineering decisions, complete finite element analysis of my designs and I also wrote custom MATLAB tools to aid in valve design by shortcutting costly CFD valve flow simulations for quick design iterations. I investigated fault fixes for systems owned by the respective teams I worked in, and I represented the Hybrid Mechanical ERS department in the Bolted Joint Working Group.

The highlight of my placement was the people that I worked with, both on a professional and personal level. I enjoyed the time they spent helping me develop my engineering skills but also the time we spent talking at lunch and on walks was equally valuable.

The transition from study to work was surprisingly easy, whilst I felt like I'd jumped into the deep end at the beginning, after a steep learning period, it felt natural. This was strongly helped by how eager my colleagues were to help me and the welcoming atmosphere at work.

I was not a strong student when I left for placement, but I feel as though I gave 100% to my final year because my placement had shown just how far I could go. There is a clear difference between the professionalism and polish of my 3^rd and 4^th year work and my placement was the sole reason I felt capable to push for a first class degree.