Undergraduate Engineer Review

I work 3 days a week and study 2 days a week. In work I spend time in different rotations in different parts of the company, working with other engineers within Dyson. I spend most of my time in work completing my project and some time in training as well.

In my software rotation I have learned a lot about programming, software development and improved my skills using the python programming language. In my mechanical rotation I have received training in matlab and NX, a industry standard cad software. These are all skills I use regularly in my rotation as well

I have thoroughly enjoyed the program so far. My week is always very varied, with a good mix of academic study, work and training. I am always very busy, but things are very varied, so I don't get bored. As this is a new program, there are sometimes some teething issues, but its mostly been great.

Things are mostly well organised, the academic year is well structured and deadlines are well spaced out, so you don't end up with multiple coursework due on the same day. As this is a very new program, there are occasionally some small issues with organisation, but these are getting fixed as time goes on.

Dyson are very supportive, there are lots of different resources and people I can access for support if I need to. Everyone gets regular (roughly every month) 121 meetings with their line manager, tutor and also a student support adviser, who is there to help with your general well being and support in general

Everyone gets regular (roughly every month) 121 meetings with their tutor. As it is such a small program, lecturers are happy to answer questions or do seminars on demand to cover harder topics. They are very approachable. There are lots of online resources and practice questions we can access, and textbooks are provided.

The modules we cover in our degree are linked to what we do in our workplace role. While I was in my software placement I was using python for my project, while simultaneously learning about it for the degree. I have also covered motors in an electronics module, which will help me on my placement in the motors team.

The program is small compared to uni. but there are lots of clubs and societies. There is a company wide cycle club, which does weekly rides, as well as a football team. There is a robotics club which works on a range of projects. It is also easy to start your own club or society, if a few people are interested in doing the same things.

Yes

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time on the program so far, it is a really great program and I think it's a great alternative to university for people looking to do an engineering or software related course. It's really nice to have such a varied workload, and get paid to work and study.

Make sure you do your research on the program, know the format of the course, why you want to apply, and your motivations for doing engineering. There are lots of stages to the application, so make sure you read about them on the institute website, as there is some good information about them there.