Undergraduate Engineer Review

My role is varied, but generally, I am working on the early design stages of engineering work, specifically focused on the Rail Industry. I love my job, it is varied and I get to see the impact that my work has on the wider communities, both in the UK and overseas.

I have had the ability to gain so many extra skills, from mentoring junior colleagues to having the opportunity to progress towards achieving my IRSE Signalling Designer's license. At university, I have had input into how the course is run, providing feedback from other students. In my view, I have come on leaps and bounds from when I started the course.

My course is challenging. It has a range of different modules, some of which are better than others. Allocating the right time to the right parts of my work can be challenging, but I have support in place to help me get to where I want/need to be. In work, I enjoy having the opportunity to work on such a wide range of projects.

The course is well organized and structured work-wise. The Early Career Professionals team is very supportive and provides fantastic training courses alongside the university courses. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the university side. This is mainly because I am part of the first cohort to complete this course programme, but the communication from the university has been somewhat terrible over the length of the course.

Work has given me lots of support, which I greatly appreciate. The support I have from my employer is the difference between me being able to cope with the programme and failing every module! Without the additional time and support that my employer provides, I do not think I would be in the same place today.

This varies. There have been some module leaders who are very supportive, but others have not been. We have regular Touch Point Review sessions which I attend to obtain support where required with modules, but I also know that I can reach out to lecturers directly if I need to do so.

Once I have completed the course, the qualification will enable me to progress within my employer to a more senior role within my team. The course has enabled me to develop new skills and develop my understanding of how we, as railway engineers, need to work in the future to support the work we do.

Occasionally I attend the Professional Growth Network events organised by my company. In addition, I have attended many different events arranged by my professional institutions which enable me to network and connect with like-minded individuals. I take pride in my work, and I love to attend volunteering days at one of my local preserved heritage railways, which is one of my passions. If I had more time, I would like to attend more extra-curricular activities with my company.

Yes

WSP has been a very supportive employer for me during my time working for them. My line management team support me and assists in my development within the team, enabling me to enhance and develop many skills. It is a great honour to be able to say that I work for WSP, as they are a very inclusive organisation that supports many in the neurodiverse community, and I am proud to work for them.

Plan and research the company prior to any interviews. Be prepared to have a lot of time committed to working on assignments outside of your normal working hours. Plan ahead and make sure you are working on the assignments as soon as they are released. Otherwise, they become unmanageable if you leave them too late.