Undergraduate Engineer Review

by Dyson Institute of Engineering and Technology

Rating

7.5/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

2 days a week we have lectures and complete uni work. The other 3 days we work in a real engineering team, either on live projects, side projects or useful tools. It is meaningful work that contributes to the company.

8/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

I have definitely developed both technical and "soft skills".

8/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I enjoy the work a lot. The university work isn't my favourite but that comes down to personal preference. Every team I've worked in have made me feel welcome, and have been helpful. Overall I enjoy the course.

8/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

Generally it is well organised. Sometimes communication isn't the best but the DIET team will always sort things for you. There is a good system in place for feedback and continual improvements. Each team will structure things differently, but generally projects are well defined and clear.

6/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

Every manager I have had has been very supportive, and usually you also have a mentor to support you. The uni lecturers are generally very helpful, and the DIET technical support staff are also great.

8/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

We have an apprenticeship tutor to help with the apprenticeship side so that is well supported. Generally, lecturers will help out with any issues and there is a good feedback system.

7/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

The degree does not always exactly correspond to the work we do in the workplace. However, I feel there is likely to be more opportunities to do this later in the course, as the breadth of knowledge gained from uni grows.

6/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

Most teams hold socials which we're invited to. All the groups open to employees we are welcome to join, such as games club, LGBT+ network etc. We also have DIET specific clubs and socials.

9/10

9a. Would you recommend Dyson Institute of Engineering and Technology to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

It is overall a good and rewarding course.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Dyson Institute of Engineering and Technology?

It's not right for everyone. It is hard work and you won't get all the experiences you would at a usual university so consider if this is what you want. If it is, use whatever support there is at your sixth form to help with the application. The assessors are mostly looking at how you approach problems so don't panic if you don't have any engineering specific experience.