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Why did you decide to do this insight experience?

I found myself at a loose end during the summer after my first year. I wasn't particularly sure what I was looking for in my placement year, so I jumped on the first opportunity that was offered by the Placements Team for work experience at Bosch to see what the industry has to offer.

How did you find this opportunity?

Through the year 1 & 2 Female Engineering Student Work Experience (Summer 2023) - promoted by the Placements Team.

Tell us a bit about the role you did on this insight experience

Before I started, I expressed interest in CAD modelling, so I thought I'd be more inclined to be in the technical engineering department. I was exposed to jigs and fixtures in the factory, CAD software, industrial grade equipment and materials. I was very intrigued because I have always loved designing and fabricating practically anything using Fusion and also in the iForge so being there was finding proof that my hobby is industrially in demand. I was trusted to design some fixtures for some pipe jigs to be installed in the assembly line.

What has been your greatest achievement or what is the most interesting part of your insight placement?

I was lucky to be invited to multiple meetings and get involved with the manufacturing processes. One of the puncher beds was getting damaged due to metal sheets sliding against it at an angle so they needed a solution to enable the sheets to slide horizontally. As simple as it sounds, there were a lot of factors to consider such as ergonomics, cost, usability and material accessibility. I spent a bit of time designing a solution on Fusion (despite being four days into my 30-day long YouTube course) then later showed the jigs and fixtures to the engineers to gain some feedback. It wasn't perfect as I took some shortcuts (to which the engineer playfully responded, “that's a bit lazy isn't it?”). However, from there, he saw my drive to learn so he taught me the industrial standards of CAD modelling. Later, he started assigning me more fixtures to design independently.

What has been the biggest challenge you have faced during your insight placement?

The sight of big machines was overwhelming. Not to mention the Bosch-exclusive manufacturing terms that I didn't quite understand and couldn't Google ('milkrun','supermarket' and 'baffle' are not what you think they are - in fact, you'll be BAFFLED). What calmed me down was the thought that no one was relying on me, and I was just there to learn. Once I figured out jigs and fixtures engineering was what I was inclined towards, I decided to focus on it for the rest of my time there with the £8000 3D printer. The factory was also practically in the middle of nowhere, so it was nearly impossible to reach without a car.

What would be your top tip / best piece of advice for other students considering undertaking an insight experience?

Do research on the company before you start, be transparent about what you're interested in to make your time there valuable. Show interest towards what you're being exposed to (ask relevant questions and give suggestions) and take up the initiative to do things. The engineer I was shadowing (who is now my supervisor) said I stood out as I showed interest and genuinely wanted to get involved.

How has your insight experience helped you progress to date?

One week into my work experience, I walked into the office and was surprised with the question: “Do you want to come back?” I looked so dazed and confused, they had to clarify themselves: “You're doing your placement year next year right? Would you like to come back here for it?” I was extremely flattered as I went there with zero expectations. The next thing I knew, I was given an offer for the job and almost didn't have to worry about applying for placements (which I still did). Later I was told my time there was practically a very long interview.

Not to mention, my CAD skills improved immensely over the few weeks I was there. This really helped with my 2nd year when I had to design a robot from scratch for my Mechatronics project.

Three months later, I returned to the factory for a site visit before signing my contract to make sure it really was what I'd be happy to do for a whole year. The best part of the tour was finding things I made before are still being used.

Long story short, I am now back where I was a year ago doing what I love with the most entertaining people to do it with. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity that I had as it gave me a full exposure of what I was getting myself into for my placement (management style, work environment etc) so I had little to no doubts when I signed my contract that I was going to be happy there.