Undergraduate Engineer Review

The Undergraduate Engineer role is extremely varied and allows for undergraduates on the course to gain a wide range of industry experience. Undergraduates work for 3 days per week within Dyson's RDD function, and study for 2 days per week towards a BEng (Hons) engineering degree. Academics specialisms offered include Mechanical, Electronics, and Software.

My skillset has improved dramatically since starting at the Dyson Institute of Engineering and Technology. My RDD experience has allowed me to work within downstream mechanical and electronics teams, and upstream software and research teams so far. The skills I have developed so far will help my future engineering career greatly.

The course was never designed to be easy, so all applicants should be well aware expectations are high when they start applying. Due to the structure of the course, undergraduates balance workplace engineering projects alongside studying for a demanding degree. For those who are excited by a challenge, this can be the perfect environment, and the opportunities that have been given to me since starting have been incredible. To conclude, though challenging, the course is engaging and pushes me to do the best I can, making the experience highly enjoyable.

The organisation of the programme has improved significantly over the years. Due to how new the course is, there have inevitably been some issues that have come up, however undergraduates have a close relationship with staff on the whole, so most issues that arise are listened to and resolved quickly. The Institute has also expanded greatly over the last few years so more staff are available to manage the course

The support structure is much better than a traditional university. Due to our unique position within the company we have access to academics from the University of Warwick and the Dyson Institute to help with degree-related matters, and for the workplace we are assigned Line Managers and Mentors. Additional each cohort has a Student Support Advisor to discuss wider wellbeing with.

Support is fairly good for the course, especially given the broad number of people available for support when we need it. The University of Warwick has had some issues in providing high standards of training and learning, however this is trying to be resolved currently, and is not an issue for new students given the independent delivery of the training.

The degree I am studying towards, though not necessarily directly linked to my workplace projects, will provide me with an industry standard qualification that will be transferrable to different areas of the business or to different companies should I wish to move later on. The apprenticeship standard will provide me with an extremely strong foundation to achieve Incorporated and Chartered Engineer status in my career. Very few other courses offer two Level 6 qualifications.

The Dyson Institute has an Undergraduate Experience Committee that regularly organises social events for the undergraduate community. Even throughout the Covid pandemic efforts were made to ensure social interaction could still happen within the community (guidance permitting). Dyson has an onsite gym facility that all staff and undergraduates are able to use. Several interest-specific groups also exist within the Dyson Institute and Dyson RDD that undergraduates are welcomed to.

Yes

The course has given me opportunities that I would have otherwise never realised were possible. The course is challenging and takes a lot of resilience, however the rewards are extremely high. A good salary, no student fees, regular socials and events, vast professional development opportunities and the ability to take part in outreach & volunteering all make the course one of the most rewarding available for undergraduates who are excited by innovating engineering education and who are keen to be challenged in the process.

Take on as many opportunities as possible. Although the 4 years seems like a long time, looking back it goes quickly. Though there are difficult points and stressful moments, it is much more worthwhile to take on as many experiences and opportunities as possible during your time at the Dyson Institute, as it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience and you will want to look back at all of the high points and everything you were able to take part in, rather than dwell on the crunch points & coursework deadlines!