Undergraduate Engineer Review

I work alongside other engineers 3 days a week as a normal member of the company and study 2 days a week. I have my own project which I am responsible for and regular meetings with my Line Manager. In addition to attending team meetings and other meetings related to my project. I work with other colleagues all across the world and have had a lot of different experience in a lot of different teams.

I have learned MATLAB, CAD, Arduino, Sketching and many other skills that are applicable to my role. I have learned a lot more from the workplace than I expected and I would say I gain more from that than the degree - which is quite theory focused to give a mathematical grounding.

There are highs and lows as with any degree (from what I’ve gathered talking to friends at normal uni). I have gained a very close knit group of friends and also advanced knowledge and opportunities I otherwise would not have had access to. This means that as much as the degree and work can be stressful at times overall there is a good support network and as such a good experience.

The degree programme has been pretty poor at times, this is most likely due to lack of communication from Warwick. But Dyson have always been supportive of us and have tried to sort things out quickly. There have been improvements as the course has gone on - a lot has changed from the beginning which is good to see.

There is so much support from the employer. We have pastoral support through Student support advisors, academic suppport from members of the team and workplace support through line managers and mentors. There is always someone to ask if you need help.

There is a lot of support around the degree, with additional support sessions in place for those struggling academically, these however come from Dyson and not the training provider (Warwick). Most of the lecturers are ok from Warwick but some aren’t the best.

The qualification provides baseline and background understanding for my role, without completely linking.

There is a social budget which can provide funding for events and clubs. There are many events throughout the year which are great fun such as a ski trip, surf trips and formal events.

Yes

Its a very valuable experience, despite being very difficult. It fully prepares you to work in engineering and the people I have met are great. To get a degree without paying for it and earning a salary is good too!

Be prepared to work hard, and be prepared that it is a very technical engineering degree. And good luck!