Placement Experience: Media Developer Web/Unity Placement -Raytheon UK - Adam Wilkins

How did you find your placement role? What support did you get from the Placement team?

I found my placement role through the University placement job boards. I received lots of help from the placement team with writing my CV, cover letters, and also helping me prepare for the interview.

Can you describe the process of applying for placement roles? E.g. how many you applied to, if you had a system or sought support from anyone.

I applied to around 12 or so different placements. For most of the roles I applied by submitting my CV and making adjustments to make sure the most relevant information was at the top. 

Did you have any concerns or uncertainties about taking a placement year, and how did you address them?

I was very concerned about whether the placement was worth my time and whether it was
better to just get into the industry after my course a year sooner.
I think that although it might have benefited my career to get started sooner, the skills I’ve
been gaining from this placement will make getting my first job after university much easier.

What tips would you give to students about balancing placement applications with university studies?

Try to get at least 1 application done a week and start applying early.

Even though 1 a week may not sound like a lot, that’s the idea; it gives you time to focus on getting the applications right, and still lets you focus on uni life.

Please tell us a bit about the company you work for and your role?

I mostly work in Unity, developing alongside an experienced dev who has been teaching me about Unity. My work colleagues in the office are really great people to be around and make every day easier.

What challenges have you faced during your placement, and how have you overcome them?

It was a challenge to get used to the full-time work environment, it was a drastic change compared to university life. It did take me a few months to get used to it, however I now feel much more comfortable going to work each day and less drained.

What has been the most rewarding part of your placement so far, and why?

Developing the Unity content has been the most rewarding for me. It’s always satisfying to finish a project or system.

Has your placement experience influenced your perspective on your chosen career path or field of study?

In the future I still want to become a game designer but I have gained a lot more experience with programming, which will hopefully help me down the line. 

Would you recommend the placement program to other students? 

I would recommend this placement to anyone who enjoys programming and Unity development and would like to develop their skills further.