Vidya Narayanan

Energy Innovation

Why I applied...

I decided to apply for the scheme as I had been working within WMG during the final year of my degree, and found it to be a very friendly environment with staff who are always willing to help you. The opportunity to complete a rotational programme, with a range of placements, really appealed to me as I would get to experience working within a variety of departments in WMG.

My highlights...

So far I have completed two very different placements and have really enjoyed them both. I have been involved in a lot of practical, hands on work which has been really exciting.

All of the Graduate Trainee Engineers on the scheme have formed a really strong bond and this has really made the transition from university to work really easy. We are able to share our different experiences on our respective placements and it’s really interesting to hear about the research projects everyone is working on.

My development...

I feel that I have developed so much since starting the programme. In the first six months I have already enhanced my presentation, report writing and problem solving skills. I have also completed a Project Management qualification and will be completing a variety of technical training courses over the coming months. Working for the University of Warwick has the added benefit that you are able to take free sport/language classes as well so I have been able to develop personally as well as professionally.

Adam Szypula

Energy Innovation

Why I applied...

After finishing my Master’s degree at Warwick, I knew I wanted to stay in an academic environment yet build my links with industry. The WMG Graduate Development Programme offered that and was completely unique. When I met with scheme managers, I was really impressed to learn how rapidly WMG is expanding and the impressive ground-breaking research projects the organisation is working on.

My highlights...

I really enjoyed my first placement. It provided me with so much opportunity to learn as well as freedom to implement my own ideas. I was well supported by managers, supervisors and colleagues in an environment where everyone wants to support your development as a graduate.

My development...

I have been provided with an amazing opportunity to extend my professional network and build valuable contacts for the future. I have developed my management skills and have recently completed Project Planning, Management and Control qualification. I believe the best part of the scheme is being able to develop your knowledge and experience in a variety of areas in the first year of the programme. I would advise anyone reading this to apply for the WMG Graduate Development Programme immediately!

Katerina Gonos

Energy Innovation

Why I applied...

As I approached the end of my 4 year degree in Chemistry, I was unsure of what to do next. Although I loved my subject, I was keen to move out of pure academia and experience a more applied use of my knowledge and skills, namely electrochemistry. The scheme immediately seemed like a good fit, industrial research that used familiar theory in a new context, but offered a variety of placements to allow me to discover the best fit for me in terms of my future career.

My highlights...

To see familiar concepts being utilised in ground breaking research has been a definite highlight to me, as I love to see how theory is applied to ‘real-world’ problems. I have had the chance to work on a range of current, meaningful projects, both within and WMG and as part of collaborations with other organisations. The experience so far has enhanced by the people I’ve met, including the other Graduate Trainee Engineers on the scheme to senior managers and research staff.

My development...

I have already seen my knowledge of the field and my confidence in the lab go way beyond what it was during my degree. The scheme has also really developed my ability to work with a range of people to ensure results are delivered.

Above all, the programme has already started to help me realise where my specific interests lie and exposed me to options I would not have considered otherwise. Through the work I’m doing now and the experiences I’m having, my plans for the future are beginning to take shape.

Jet Feng

Smart, Connected and Autonomous Vehicles

Why I applied...

Ever since I was a child I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of autonomous vehicles. As soon as I heard about the graduate scheme at WMG, I knew I had to apply.

My highlights...

The best thing about this scheme is the culture and environment, everyone is so friendly, approachable and willing to help you. The induction process was brilliant and encouraged the graduates on the scheme to build a strong bond which has been a huge part of the experience here at WMG.

Puja Unadkat

Energy Innovation

Why I applied...

I have always been motivated to learn new things which is why I applied to the WMG Graduate Development Programme. The scheme offers the chance to be involved in real life, exciting projects in all aspects of energy storage from high power cell making to battery recycling and e-machines. The transition from education into the working world was very smooth whilst working in an organisation that focuses on innovation and long term sustainability.

My highlights...

The great thing about the scheme is that it is rotational so you get the opportunity to experience different areas of the organisation and work with different teams. It also offers a good work and study balance, which is something that I really like. WMG encourages their staff to get involved in outreach activities at the university and outside the organisation. There is a strong focus on encouraging more women into STEM which has always been an interest of mine and something I enjoy getting involved with.

My development...

There is so much support offered here, not just from your peers, but from your mentors and managers too. There are regular discussions on how you can develop and enhance your skills and knowledge to steer your career in your chosen direction. There is such a variety of opportunities offered, such as the chance to attend professional conferences, as well as gaining a project management qualification. Progression and development is at the heart of the organisations culture and it really shows.

Benjamin Ayre

Smart, Connected and Autonomous Vehicles

Why I applied...

I applied to the scheme because it offers a wide range of placements that will allow for me to develop skills in multiple areas as well as helping to decide what areas interest me most. The scheme is centred around areas of continued growth hopefully leading to a future career in this area.

My highlights...

My highlights so far include working on multi mullion pound projects with a variety of other organisations to achieve real impact. I’ve also had the opportunity to undertake professional development courses and qualifications.

It has also been great to have the support of the other graduates, making the transition between university and work life easier.

I would advise anyone who is wants to work in a varied team working on lots of cutting edge projects to apply as it is an excellent scheme.

Ed Griffin

Energy Innovation

Why I applied...

The WMG Graduate Development Programme offered me the opportunity to work on world class research projects with industry automotive partners. It allowed me to take knowledge and skills obtained whilst completing my physics degree and apply it in real world dynamic projects. The large number of placements during the scheme allow you to work proactively to develop strong team work and presentation skills. Working for Warwick University with all the boundless opportunities it brings, but with a deep industrial application, was an opportunity that I could not miss.

My highlights...

The first six months of the programme have flown by. Every day I am doing something new and exciting, whilst always challenging myself. I worked in the electric machines group for three months and was given excellent support and encouragement to develop my simulation skills and implement them to solve problems for industrial partners. I am currently working on an intriguing field in electrochemistry on new materials for electric vehicles and everyday have the opportunity to access the world class lab facilities we have here at WMG. I have recently completed an internationally recognised project management qualification. This was delivered via a week of high quality teaching outside of our day-to-day projects as one of the two MSc modules I will be studying this year.

Advice to applicants...

Make the most of the vast array of opportunities available on the scheme. I have been able to successfully expand my network of professional contacts, both inside and outside of WMG and attend events organised by the Institute of Mechanical Engineers.

Kyle Roberts

Smart, Connected and Autonomous Vehicles

Why I applied...

As part of my third and fourth year projects for my degree, I had worked in WMG and became familiar with the department and thought that the working culture would suit me. The work that WMG focuses on - research which bridges the gap between fundamental science and industry - also appealed to me.

My highlights...

In the short time I have been here I’ve already been given autonomy and responsibility on my placement, which was a welcome surprise. WMG also encouraged the cohort of graduates to develop as a group, so very soon after starting I felt I was part of a close knit team.

My development...

Although I have only been here for a few months, I already feel far better equipped to complete my work than when I first started. WMG has arranged several training courses as part of the graduate scheme, ranging from softer skills such as presentation training to a full project management course with a recognised qualification. As an employee of the University, I've been using my learning account to take up Spanish lessons, which I think is testament to their commitment in supporting our personal development.