Undergraduate Engineer Review

We study two days a week and work in the Research, Design and Development department for the other three. The first two years involves rotating through 6 different work teams, gaining experience in mechanical, electrical and software engineering. This is done through working on live projects alongside other engineers and developing future Dyson products. In years 3 and 4, we choose a team to stay in for the duration of the 2 years meaning that we can gain experience across the full development cycle of a project.

I have gained many technical skills throughout my time at the Dyson Institute. These have involved CAD, Labview, Arduino, Matlab, c++, python and many more. These have been gained through our workplace, university work and summer projects. Through my most recent work placement I have massively developed my knowledge of Finite Element Analysis. On top of this, I have learned many professional, interpersonal skills such as communication, leadership, project management, time management and problem solving.

The Dyson Institute is great fun, mostly due to the tight knit community that's naturally created from the small cohorts and frequent communication and collaboration with the Institute Staff as well. The entire atmosphere at Dyson is extremely welcoming and relaxed while also buzzing with excitement and passion for innovation. We have so much support and encouragement to find things that we enjoy and share them across the community as well whether that be in a social setting or work related.

The programme has changed and developed so much already over the course of my time here. Although there is occasionally struggle with lack of (or late) communication, the programme is now in a really solid state. Every process has been refined (with feedback from Undergraduates) and tailored to provide the best possible experience. We have a great network of support around us for every aspect of the programme whether that be in the workplace, our university studies or our personal and professional development.

Like any other employees we have support all around us in the workplace. We can reach out to HR with any concerns around areas such as annual leave or workplace conduct. Our Line Manages are our main point of contact in the workplace and consistently encourage our technical and professional development. Alongside this we have access to all of the employee benefits and services that any other employee would. There is always someone willing to help in any case.

Currently our lectures are run by the University of Warwick as well as our Apprenticeship logging. We have access to an apprenticeship tutor who supports us through the whole process and helps us complete our evidence logbook needed to achieve the apprenticeship qualification. We have constant academic support when needed as well and feedback on the course is always taken and acted on. As well as this we have access to all of the University wide support systems such as mental health support, student union and information/resources on a variety of topics.

There have been multiple occasions in which I have found myself applying the theoretical knowledge that I have gained through my studies to a workplace project. This has varied from knowledge of a particular piece of software to background maths for the mechanical design of a part. There are a few areas that have repeatedly assisted in my day-to-day work such as Materials and Manufacturing knowledge or the ability to program tools to support my work projects.

We have an entire social team dedicated to setting up events, supporting clubs and ensuring that we find time to try new things. We've had great events such as the annual ski trip, winter formals and sports tournaments. Some of the clubs include surf club, adventure society, origami club, art club, classic and retro car club and many more. Despite being a small community we still have a huge range of interests and hobbies so there is something for everyone. We are also encouraged to start up new clubs if we have something we enjoy and want to share with the rest of the Undergraduates.

Yes

The Dyson Institute is unique in the way it delivers both the University degree and workplace experience. Although it is a lot of hard work and long hours, the reward is invaluable. We gain so much in professional experience alongside a full Bachelors degree, whilst networking with some of the best engineers in the country and making the most of the abundance of opportunities that are given to us. Gaining a salary on top of this and skipping out on student debt is just the icing on the cake.

If you can convey that you are enthusiastic and passionate about engineering and problem solving in particular then you're on the right track. Understand the importance of being able to work collaboratively and champion other peoples ideas whilst also effectively conveying your own. Try and find actual examples of scenarios that prove you are passionate about innovation and have the skills requires to manage your time effectively and solve problems in creative ways. Most importantly, be yourself!