I was able to experience both hands-on and simulation-based learning from the modules I took. We worked on a group robotics project with some friendly competition at the end of it all and prizes for aspects such as innovation - it was good to gain experience of working in a team, plus it gave me a lot to mention in interviews and assessment centres.
The overall support from the departmental staff was very good. It was always warming to know that you can get any course-based problems resolved by a knowledgeable team. If you were having any issues with modules and balancing credits, then the administration staff were always available to help. The placements office and industrial liaison tutors offer useful advice and preparation for going into industry.
I would say that Electronic and Electrical Engineering is a great course to consider. It covers a wide variety of disciplines so there will definitely be something you are passionate about. The first year will provide you with some idea of what you might want to do. Second year and beyond will provide a gigantic list of modules to choose from so I honestly believe that there is something for everyone on this course. The research topics are very interesting and attract attention from many sources of funding and the academic staff are very passionate about it.
I took a placement year between third and fourth year. I worked for National Grid on the System Operator side of the business based down at their Wokingham site. I was part of a support team which would deliver projects and maintain the systems in the Electricity National Control Centre (ENCC). It was great to see exactly how the grid is operated on a second-by-second basis and gain a lot of technical knowledge from experienced power system engineers. The renewable energy and power modules I chose in second and third year really helped me in deciding which industry I wanted to work in and who I applied to for a placement. I had a very enjoyable year as a result, and I took a huge amount of new knowledge into my final year studies.
Upon completing my placement, I was offered a place on the graduate scheme at National Grid so that’s where I’ll be going to next. I also hope to train to become an authorised power system engineer within the next couple of years. My degree and module choices definitely provide the academic requirements needed for this. My final year project will provide a good technical understanding of the discipline too. When I leave, I’ll be in a good position to start building more experience and aiming for chartership.