Student stories

My placement experience was great overall: it taught me plenty and helped me make some really good professional connections. I was given a lot more responsibility than I expected as a placement student.

I do enjoy the salary, but the best part is definitely the people I’ve met – everyone has been so pleasant, welcoming and helpful.

The people and the history of this team are unique and what they’ve achieved as a small family business is incredible. I felt like a part of the team from the first day.

I would absolutely recommend doing a Professional Training Year, not just to enhance technical skills and knowledge but to develop soft skills, which at times can be more important.

My placement year really helped me to grow as an engineer and become more confident in my ability to solve engineering problems in industry. I’ve also gained invaluable teamworking experience and greatly improved my communication and time management skills.

I was responsible for the full design process of parts such as moulds, joints, brackets and mechanisms, which were then manufactured, tested and integrated into a range of boat models.

One of my biggest achievements was producing training material for surgeons who use Renishaw’s medical devices. It was particularly rewarding to see work I had produced being put into practice in industry.

I’ve made some amazing memories at Surrey. It’s such a diverse community of people, there is always an opportunity to break out of your comfort zone and try something new.