Top Tips for Engineering WEX

By Nanaba Fynn

1. Look for STEM Work Experience Programmes

This is the most straightforward one! Some notable ones include IN2STEM, Imperial’s Work Experience Programme, and the Nuffield Research Placement.

2. EMAIL, EMAIL, EMAIL

Many companies don't advertise work experience on their websites (which is frustrating!). So, research a minimum of 5 companies in any field of engineering (even if you have a specific discipline you're interested in) and 3 in a specific discipline.
REMEMBER: Large companies receive a lot of emails, so ensure you're using their requested email and you talk specifically about what you're interested in within the company's research and what you wish to gain. Compliments and attention to detail go a long way!
Companies to try at first: Arup, BP, GSK, and TESCO.

3. So You Got Work Experience? WOOHOO. How Should You Act?

One word: ENTHUSIASM! Running a large company with expensive equipment is difficult, and having a teen on site is an additional responsibility. The company is doing YOU a favour, not the other way around!
Absorb everything, ASK QUESTIONS, be inquisitive, and take notes (so you remember things to add to your personal statement and CV—trust me, it gets hard to remember what you learned even two weeks later!).

4. Do Not Forget to Thank Them

In STEM industries and the world of work, a common saying is, "It's not WHAT you know, but WHO you know," which is true. It's critical to be a person who's good and comfortable to work with. Take a genuine interest in what you're observing and show gratitude because every experience outside of the classroom is valuable!

5. Why Is It Important to Do Engineering Work Experience?

All this effort, many unresponded emails, and days off your summer holidays—what's the point?
Working is no joke; it's something most people do for 8 hours a day, 5 days a week. It's kinda like a marriage! So, it's important to know what you want to get out of a job (apart from just money). What kind of environment? A nice office? Working on site?
Work experience is like scrolling on a dating site to decide what you like or even what you don't like, so you can find yourself a good fit... for now. This helps you choose a degree that leaves the door wide open to that job. Plus, you've got to write your personal statement on something!