Undergraduate Engineer Review

Working in a research team conducting simulation work and fundamental research into the applications of new technologies. I get to work alongside engineers with my own projects or my own components in a project that I am responsible for, working in a team we investigate how a novel technology could be applied to solve problems and allow other teams to create new products using the technology.

Proficient in CAD, programming skills, analytical skills, familiarity with ANSYS and how to appropriate use it simulate systems. I've learnt a lot of soft skills, presentation techniques, team management skills, project management skills and communication, these were cultivated through direct experiences in running live projects supported by training where appropriate. I've learnt a lot of what it takes to be an engineer in industry.

I enjoy the programme, the opportunities provided are incredibly unique, I thoroughly enjoy some of the projects I've got to work on and the people I've had the opportunity to work with. The workload is very challenging, balancing the degree, work and a social life is very difficult, there are times where this is difficult and significantly impacts my enjoyment.

Being in its early stages, there are a lot of teething problems, working for Dyson and having the degree carried out by Warwick has raised lots of problems that are solved relatively quickly. It is improving but there are a lot of logistical challenges with how its carried out.

Quite a lot, the student provisions are some of the best I've ever heard of, compared to other universities there is a significantly increased amount of support we receive. There are support systems from the institute, from the workplace and also from warwick, having access to so much support has been a great benefit to my experience.

We have access to all of Warwicks services like other students but with the caveat that we learn remotely, the lecturers are pretty responsive on moodle and via email which is very helpful given we dont have direct access to them during normal days. They provide a lot of support for problems and this is aided by smaller teaching groups so we have better relationships with the lecturers.

The degree has definitely supported what I've done in the work place, its a very cyclical benefit, where both sides provide benefit to each. I've been able to apply what I've learnt to my work and been able to reinforce it, at the same time I've learnt a broader understanding of topics in the workplace which I have then been able to translate into my degree.

The institute has a Social team who assist in putting on events alongside larger scale events they put on, alongside this we have a growing number of clubs who organise events, plan trips and have regular gatherings so theres a lot a to get involved with this. We also get to enjoy all of the events open to the rest of Dyson, such as Talks, the great Christmas parties and more.

Yes

It's certainly not easy, its very difficult, takes serious dedication and requires lots of hard work. However, it is also a very fulfilling experience, I feel truly tested and pushed to my limits, this has allowed me to stretch what I thought I was capable of, I've learnt more than I think I would have at university and I think I've really had to grow as a person to handle everything.

Be realistic with what you want, understand what commitment you are undertaking, a degree apprenticeship is not the same as going to uni, you will not have the same social life and you wont have as much time. If you are okay with that then its worth considering it, you have to invested and keep sight of how much you can gain from this, its not something that you can coast through.