Larry Sibanda
My placement with EES turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made. It provided me with a practical edge, confidence and a clearer career direction. I encourage all engineering students to explore similar opportunities as an essential step toward success in the industry.
Industrial placements are a vital part of an engineering student’s journey. They bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, providing a head start in your career. While university equips us with a broad foundation, specialised fields can sometimes go unnoticed. Without my placement, I might never have discovered my passion for electrical engineering.
My placement experiences:
Did you know students with placement experience are 12.6 per cent more likely to secure interviews, and their graduate starting salaries are £1.7K higher on average compared to those without?
Inspired by my older brother, a mechanical engineer, I began my BEng in Electrical and Electronics Engineering at Northampton University in 2021, planning to graduate in 2025. Before my placement, I had little exposure to niche fields like excitation engineering—an area focused on controlling and stabilising the performance of electrical machines. That all changed when I secured a 12-month paid placement with Excitation & Engineering Services (EES) in September 2023.
From day one, I gained hands-on experience that brought classroom theory to life. One of my projects involved collaborating with a team in Croatia. Working across time zones taught me the importance of communication and teamwork in an international context. By December, I was designing schematics, creating Human-Machine Interface (HMI) screens and witnessing the delivery of the final product to a satisfied client. These experiences gave me a sense of accomplishment and a clearer understanding of how engineering impacts real-world systems.
During my time at EES, I had the chance to work with a variety of people, each bringing their own unique personality and expertise to the table. Among them was Ling, a graduate recruit whose infectious humour always lightened the mood during even the most challenging projects. Despite her busy schedule, she was always ready to lend a hand, making her not just a colleague but a great mentor and friend.
As my confidence grew, so did my responsibilities. With guidance from my peers, I stepped into leadership roles, managed customer relationships and oversaw project timelines. These challenges helped me develop essential organisational and leadership skills, preparing me for the demands of a professional career.
Since graduating:
These opportunities are not just about meeting course requirements—they're about shaping your professional skills and building confidence. The most valuable part of my placement was seeing how classroom theory directly applies to real-world engineering. For example, EES is supporting my final year project on simulating Megawatts (MW) and Megavolt-amps reactive (MVAR) —key units for measuring electrical systems—transforming abstract concepts into practical understanding. This experience has made my final year of university feel less daunting. I now have a clearer understanding of how to approach problems and apply the knowledge I’ve acquired.
For those considering placements, there are a few important things to keep in mind. First, start early by researching placements in advance. This will help you secure the best opportunities and give you plenty of time to prepare. It’s also important to be open to new ideas and explore industries outside your comfort zone, as they may offer unexpected and rewarding challenges. Don’t hesitate to ask questions—take full advantage of the expertise of your colleagues to deepen your understanding of the industry and your role. Challenge yourself to take ownership of tasks and use them as an opportunity for growth. Finally, building connections is essential. Make the effort to network with colleagues and mentors, as these relationships can create future opportunities and help you throughout your career.
