Undergraduate Engineer Review

Undergraduate Engineer working within Dyson's Research, Development and Design teams. I spend, typically 2 to 3 working days a week in an engineering team, investigating and evaluating new electrical systems that could potentially be used within future products. The remainder of my time is spent attending lectures provided by the university of Warwick. Lecture days typically involve 6 to 8 hours of technical presentations, which are often hard going. Weekends and evenings are often spent completing coursework and studying for exams, downtime is few and far between. The time spend studying is significant.

Alongside studying for an engineering degree - with my selected specialism in electronics. The workplace provides an opportunity to learn and develop new skills not covered by a typical university course. It is difficult to outline these as they are dependant on your work team and the projects you pursue.

The program itself is poorly organised, although its over all aim has potential. Warwick manufacturing group who provide the academic teaching for current year groups, fails to meet most quality points. This leads to academic modules that are inconsistent across each specialism, with some streams under significant pressure compared to others. Academic materials and courseworks are often riddled with mistakes and the university of Warwick has little regard for student wellbeing. However, the workplace experience is largely positive. With workplace teams and the dyson institute staff being supportive. The best part about the experience the people you meet, there are some great engineers and technology within the company.

The academic side of the programme, delivered by the university of Warwick is incredibly poor. I have learnt loads and gain vast amounts of engineering knowledge, but there are ongoing significant quality issue you would not see at a traditional university. I am unsure what this will look like from 2021 when Dyson separates from the university of Warwick. The workplace experience is typically better structured, although this is heavily dependant on the area of the business you work within. Dyson likes to move rapidly and plans change frequency. There is typically little transparency until a plan is confirmed, as such you often find yourself searching or asking for information. It can be difficult to plan your life more than a month in advance.

Outside of academia, Dyson provides plenty of support. In the workplace I am supported by my line manger and wider team. The Dyson Institute also provides a student support adviser that can help you work on personal goals and develop professionally. Generally the support is good and widely available.

The university of Warwick provide all academic module delivery and resources. There are often a lot of issues with the information they provide and it is often taken and modified from other courses, resulting in inconsistencies. Alongside the degree, we work towards an apprenticeship qualification. Over the last four years this support has been minimal, and almost null. I am hopeful that the dyson institutes separation from the university of warwick will result in a stronger and positive programme from 2021.

Undergraduate engineers (there is around 140) have created a range of clubs and societies that get up to various activities. These clubs are typical of a conventional university, however we are currently unable to enter competitive events, There are also groups within Dyson that you can join, these clubs are open to anyone throughout the business and include: language lunches, cycling clubs, games clubs and more. Generally there is sufficient extra-curricular activities. If you are looking at a 'beach-side' or 'party' uni then this probably is not sufficient for you.

Yes

I would recommend the Dyson Institute going forward, when it is no longer connected to the university of Warwick. They have a passionate team of staff who are dedicated to providing a great experience. I would not recommend, under any circumstances, Warwick manufacturing group and the university of Warwick as there communication is incredibly poor and they have no regard for student well-being.

The dyson Institute is not for the faint hearted, be sure you wish to study engineering, are self-motivated and hard working.