After completing my bachelor's in Aerospace, I knew I wanted to do a master's where I could study something outside my original field. At the time, artificial intelligence was becoming a much bigger topic. I was curious to understand what was behind all the attention it was getting. But I had one condition: I didn't want to completely move away from engineering. The MSc Artificial Intelligence for Engineering and Design felt like a good opportunity to explore a new area while still building on my background. Learning about AI and machine learning through an engineering lens, rather than treating them as separate subjects appealed to me. The course was a stepping stone into a field I was interested in, while keeping the connection to practical engineering problems.

Following curiosity

After a year studying the course, I secured a position at the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC). During my placement, I worked in the Manufacturing Intelligence team on a range of projects around digital manufacturing and supply chain networks. A large part of my work has involved building and analysing discrete event simulation models. The aim is to understand manufacturing and supply chain processes, identify bottlenecks and test different scenarios. I also had the opportunity to apply the machine learning knowledge I gained from the course to real world simulation results and explore how it could be utilised to streamline the workflow. More recently, I looked at how large language models could make simulation tools easier for engineers to use.

I was given a lot of freedom to pursue areas I was genuinely interested in. In particular, finding ways to apply AI and machine learning to real engineering and manufacturing problems. It made my placement feel much more personal. I wasn't just completing a fixed set of tasks; I was able to follow my curiosity, experiment with ideas and gradually work out what interested me the most.

Just as importantly, I have really enjoyed working with the people at the AMRC. Everyone here has been very welcoming and supportive. I have had the chance to work with and learn from people with very different technical backgrounds.

Developing confidence

One of the biggest things I have developed during my placement is confidence in working with others. I have had opportunities to speak with customers, work with colleagues across different teams, contribute to discussions and explain technical work to people with different backgrounds. Over time, I became much more comfortable putting myself forward and building relationships rather than staying within my own project work.

Technically, I have also strengthened my skills in many different facets like coding, data handling, simulation and working with AI and machine learning. A lot of the work involved picking up unfamiliar tools or finding my own way through problems. This has made me more comfortable learning independently.

Skills for the future

I have also learnt how to work professionally. As I progressed through my placement, my awareness of the importance of taking ownership of tasks, communicating when something was unclear or not going to plan, and going beyond the minimum requirements increased significantly. These are things I would not have learnt in the same way through university projects alone.

I now have a clearer idea of the type of work I enjoy and the areas I want to develop further. I have a much better understanding of what working in industry is like and it has helped me refine my priorities and career goals. Applying skills from university to real projects puts what I have learnt about AI, data and engineering into context.

It has also helped me see problems more broadly, rather than focusing only on the technical solution. That practical experience and clearer sense of direction made the transition into graduate employment much easier.

A supporting factor

I received a lot of support from the Faculty placements team during my search for a placement. Ollie and Lauren helped me review my CV and cover letters, talk through applications, and gave advice when I was unsure how to approach opportunities. The application process required quite a bit of iteration from me, so having people I could go back to for guidance made a real difference. They were also helpful when I secured my placement, supporting me through the contract and paperwork. I still had to make the decisions and keep pushing the applications forward myself. But having that support there gave me a useful sounding board throughout the process.

Advice for placement students

Stay organised and persevere, even if the process takes longer than expected! With the volume of applications companies receive and the increasing use of screening tools, it can feel harder to get your foot in the door. It was important for me to be selective about what I applied for, keeping track of where I applied, what I submitted and the response. It helped me see what worked well, where I could improve and focus my efforts on where it was most worthwhile.

Finally, don't take rejection too personally. As much as companies are seeing if you are right for them, you are also looking for the role and work environment that suits you. There is always an element of timing and luck involved. So keep learning from the process and keep chipping away at it!