Hi, my names Lauryn, a mechanical engineering student. Now I am 8 months into my engineering placement at Merrychef, I wanted to give an update and offer some advice!

I am currently working on 4 projects and wanted to share an insight on the skills I’ve been developing through them, hopefully to showcase the benefits of placement for those who are still unsure about it.

Creativity and problem solving

One of my favourite projects that I am currently leading involves designing a new set up for one of the testing rigs. I’ve been able to take the full role of conceptualising a solution, prototyping my design, and getting hands-on in production planning.

Seeing the progression of the project has allowed me to experience what engineering design processes are like firsthand. It involves sketching up concepts, modelling them up with CAD, assembling, and manufacturing.

I have developed creativity skills by being flexible with designs and thinking of creative ways to solve engineering problems. I have enjoyed this a lot!

Technical and report writing skills

Another beneficial part of placement (possibly less thrilling to some of you) is working on my report-writing skills. Writing reports for my projects has helped me adapt my writing skills.

I’ve also learnt how to write protocols, which is something I didn’t know anything about prior to placement. Writing protocols has helped me learn how to be more coherent with communicating testing processes.

I’ve also learned how to utilise Excel tools, generating formulas and calculations to further assist my writing. This is helpful as it’s something I’ve only experienced from being in industry and therefore a skill that will help beyond graduating.

Teamworking skills

From what I’ve seen, teamworking is really valued on placement. I have been working on a couple of projects with the other intern, one of them includes designing a storage for the other engineers to use in the company. We’ve had to communicate our ideas, implement feedback from others, and make adaptations to our designs together.

I’ve also developed management skills by breaking down the project into criteria and assigning roles. It’s helped me become more adaptable with design ideas and approaches whilst developing relationships within the company.

Advice for applicants

For those who are still unsure about going for placement, keep looking! I secured my role in June, but I made the application in April. Over that period, I did a portfolio presentation, interview and examination. This gave me lots of time in between to prepare.

It may take a little while to hear back about roles you have applied to. But stay positive, as some companies may have a multistage hiring process. Regardless, the experience of applying for placement will be helpful for graduate roles.

You can read my previous blog here.