During my placement, I applied biomedical engineering knowledge in real-world settings, developed key skills, and secured a graduate role.

I studied Maths, Biology and Chemistry at A Level and always liked how they overlapped with one another. When choosing my course, I looked at how well the three subjects contributed to the content. I initially studied Maths for a year but realised it wasn’t for me, as I found it too in-depth — though I didn’t want to leave it behind entirely. Biomedical Engineering was the ideal fit, offering a diverse range of topics. It’s a field where you constantly learn how different disciplines come together to solve real-world problems.

One of the standout features of my course was the opportunity to do a placement year. I was on the Ministry of Defence’s Defence STEM Undergraduate Sponsorship (DSUS) Scheme, where I received financial sponsorship throughout my degree and had the chance to complete paid summer placements. My summer placement that year was in Bristol, although there were opportunities available across the country. During my time with the Ministry of Defence, I worked in an engineering discipline that involved a variety of specialisms. This suited me well, as my background in multidisciplinary engineering meant I could apply my knowledge while engaging with a range of engineering challenges.

A typical day on placement involved shadowing different professionals and actively asking questions, which was incredibly beneficial for understanding complex equipment — especially given my background in a biomedical context. We also took part in numerous site visits, allowing me to work with various teams and broaden my experience. A significant part of my role involved liaising with contractors to ensure the smooth operation of engineering services. This included observing processes and discussing key factors such as equipment design and safety, all of which directly applied my technical knowledge.

The placement year significantly improved my professional and interpersonal skills. I learned how to communicate complex technical topics effectively and to maintain strong working relationships. Taking initiative was essential in making the most of the varied tasks and people I worked with. These skills have already been invaluable during my final year and will undoubtedly be beneficial for my future career.

My course prepared me well for the placement — technical and analytical skills from modules like Materials Science, Control Systems Engineering, Electronic Engineering and Biomaterials were essential for understanding equipment specifications. Group projects such as Engineering You’re Hired! and the Global Engineering Challenge Week were fantastic for developing communication skills and learning to make the most of a team’s strengths.

The Engineering Placements Team were incredibly supportive throughout the process, keeping us updated with interesting opportunities. Their help was especially reassuring during the application stages. I also gained early insight into the engineering profession through a work experience placement with DePuy Synthes, focusing on orthopaedic implants, which further confirmed my decision to pursue a career in engineering.

The University of Sheffield's support services have been fantastic. In particular, the mental health and wellbeing support has been excellent — the counselling service was invaluable when I needed it.

Outside of my course, I’ve had plenty of opportunities to get involved in extracurricular activities. I’ve been part of the Book Club Society, Dance Society, and Bioengineering Netball, which have allowed me to share my interests and reconnect with old hobbies alongside a diverse range of people.

If you’re considering studying at Sheffield, my advice would be to visit and get a feel for the city and the university. I applied during COVID and missed out on in-person open days, so I’d really recommend making the most of those opportunities if you can. My placement year through the DSUS scheme has already secured me a place on the graduate scheme at the Ministry of Defence after I graduate, where I’ll have the chance to rotate through different roles and continue learning about the organisation.