Placement Experience: Software Engineer - Arm Ltd- Charlie Brewis

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

I found my placement role by applying online and received valuable support from the placement team with writing my CV. 

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 found my placement by applying for technical roles through job boards such as Gradcracker and tracked the status of my applications using a spreadsheet. The process was long  but starting in October, I tried to commit to 1 application per day. I didn’t achieve this target, but it gave me the motivation required to keep going. I applied for 18 roles, completed 6 interviews, and eventually received a placement offer from Arm.

One thing I learned is that getting noticed is often the hardest part. Out of the 18 applications I submitted, only four companies responded at all, despite me following up weekly. So, don't be disheartened if companies never get back to you—it's a common part of the placement application process, and persistence really does pay off.

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

I was concerned about accommodation for my placement year – worried that it would become more difficult later in the year to find accommodation near my placement. This was one of the reasons I was trying to get it done as quickly as possible. Once I had received an offer from Arm, I was put on a group chat with other interns where we all talked and found accommodation together.

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

Start early (September to November) – and apply slow and steady. If you start earlier, you have enough time that you don’t need to rush 30 poor quality applications in a weekend. Spend an hour a day on high-quality applications on days where you have some free time.

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

I work at Arm Ltd., the world's largest semiconductor IP company. It’s a very big company, they design computer chips and carries out very complex work across hundreds of engineering teams. I work as a Python developer, working on some internal tooling that lots of other teams use to do their jobs.

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

The biggest challenge for me has been mindset. It sound like it’s a cliché but it’s hard to build the confidence to speak up and ask questions. Even if you feel like it’s a simple question, more often than not, it can offer a fresh perspective that hasn’t been considered or refocus the conversation. There are no stupid questions, just ask.

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

Completing projects has been one of the most rewarding parts of my placement. Throughout my placement I have had the opportunity to collaborate and lead multiple large projects (multiple months long). Working on these can be both frustrating and satisfying but eventually getting the greenlight from your colleagues and being able to click the “Complete” button and see a green checkmark is brilliant. Knowing that you have delivered a substantial, high-quality piece of work is incredibly satisfying.

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

It has reinforced my desire to pursue a career in software engineering. Whether I stay in the microprocessor industry - I am not sure yet – but every day I feel inspired being around such talented colleagues.

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

Yes absolutely. I have learnt as much in my placement as I did throughout A-levels and university combined. The work is practical and satisfying, and you get to learn from interesting new people around you. You get paid! You get to spend time doing something new and interesting. I would recommend doing a placement to every student.

My biggest piece of advice is not to be scared. No one at work wants to see you fail—they expect you to take time to learn the role and get up to speed. You are probably put more pressure on yourself than anyone else, so give yourself time, ask questions, and enjoy the experience.