Placement Experience: Metrology Engineer at Bentley Motors - Azwad Hoque

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

I found my placement role through vacancies advertised directly on the Bentley Motors careers website and on LinkedIn. I applied for the role that best aligned with my degree and long-term career aspirations. Once I received my interview invite, the placement team helped me prepare for my interview. This included guidance on likely interview topics, mock interview practice, and advice on demonstrating the key behaviours and values expected by Bentley Motors.

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 over 80 roles in different companies where I felt my experience would add value and  help me grow professionally. I used Power BI & Excel to track my application progress and used data sources from previous students from different universities to understand the requirements and developments plans in different placement roles.

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

I had many concerns about undertaking a placement year, particularly as a mature student. I was hesitant about adding an extra year to my studies, as well as the additional financial and visa-related costs that come with being an international student. I sought guidance from my family, friends, and peers, who helped me understand the significant benefits and career opportunities that completing a placement can lead to and eventually decided to go for it.

It has been nothing but a rewarding experience.

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

Applications take a lot of time to prepare for and sometimes it puts studies on hold. Finding a way to finish the required preparation for your studies by a certain point in the day and then start applying afterwards whilst maybe sacrificing a couple of night outs with friends was my way to deal with it.

It helped that my friends and I were applying at the same time, so we spent time together working on our applications. 

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

I work for Bentley Motors who are known for the luxury sports car around the world we develop driver focussed luxury cars where the experience and craftmanship is unmatched to any other. In my role as Metrology Engineer, I dimensionally verify and check parts for pre series models for future Bentley vehicles and confirm with quality standards of the part to Bentley Standards both dimensionally and visually.

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

I had to learn multiple complex engineering software to develop my engineering skills including CAD and analysis of CAD. I had to learn complex hardware used to scan parts and multiple bodies.

I took on several opportunities to develop my skills with the support of experienced engineers and took on the challenges head on and eventually I got to a level where I was doing the complex work by myself.

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

Being appreciated for my work and commitment by my manager has led to opportunities to work on projects in the years to come, as well as opening doors to opportunities beyond my home department.

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

Yes, it has made my future goals clearer and given me key experience and knowledge on how to pursue them.

Would you recommend the placement program to other students? If so, what advice would you give them?

Yes, I would recommend undertaking a placement. I would also advise reaching out to previous Portsmouth placement students to gain insight from their experiences.

Once you secure a placement, make the most of every opportunity—enjoy the experience, learn as much as you can, and get involved in different projects and activities wherever possible.

Don't be afraid to make mistakes; instead, view each one as a valuable learning opportunity that will help you grow both personally and professionally.