Experiencing a real-world corporate environment made me realise the tangible impact of my work and significantly enhanced my career prospects

Why did you decide to do a placement? 

I decided to do a placement because I wanted real-world experience and to see how the theories I’d learned in lectures applied to actual projects. It was a great opportunity to dive into the industry, pick up new skills, and discover what I enjoy most about my field. Additionally, it helped me become more competitive in the job market and gave me the chance to meet people and start building connections for my future career.

What was the application process for your placement?

The application process for my placement began with submitting an online application along with my CV. This was followed by a pre-recorded video interview where I answered a wide range of questions. After being shortlisted, I went through three additional online interviews: a business and skills interview with the hiring manager, a technical interview, and a final presentation interview with a panel of interviewers.

Did you access any help from the Engineering Placements team when finding and applying for your placement?

Throughout my placement search, the Engineering Placements team and the University’s Careers Service were instrumental in supporting me. They helped me enhance my CV and cover letters and provided valuable guidance through mock assessment centres.

Additionally, I found the department-specific placement vacancy newsletter extremely useful in discovering various opportunities. I also took advantage of the appointment support from the Engineering Placements team, who were incredibly helpful in preparing me for interviews and helping me make informed decisions about job offers.

What were your main responsibilities?

During my internship, I worked as an Integration Engineer with PayPal’s UK Enterprise Integrations team. My primary responsibility was to assist large enterprise merchants, including many well-known brands, in integrating PayPal solutions into their businesses.

I supported over 30 merchants throughout the entire integration process, providing technical documentation, setting up test accounts, troubleshooting and debugging code, and explaining how PayPal/Braintree SDKs and APIs function. To ensure issues were resolved quickly, I created my own testing environment to replicate and troubleshoot problems. I also collaborated closely with solution engineers to implement and explain solution designs, ensuring smooth integration into the merchants' systems. Once the integration was complete, I certified the integrations and assisted merchants in going live with PayPal solutions.

What did you enjoy most about your placement year?

What I enjoyed most about my placement was the opportunity to take on real responsibility early on. Managing merchant integrations independently just a few weeks in was both challenging and rewarding, significantly contributing to my professional growth. However, what made the experience truly special was the company culture! I loved being part of the PayPal UK Community Impact team, where I organised volunteering and charity events. I also enjoyed working with the RISE-EU team (a Pan-Asian Employee Resource Group) to plan multiple events across the site. These activities allowed me to connect with so many amazing people and make a positive impact!

How did your placement benefit you?

During my placement, I gained valuable technical and transferable skills that significantly expanded my knowledge and abilities. I developed a deep understanding of the payments industry, including payment systems, transaction processes, settlement models, and compliance requirements. I also sharpened my coding skills and learned how to implement and interact with various APIs.

Working on a diverse range of projects and participating in side-projects and extracurricular activities allowed me to enhance several transferable skills, including adaptability, leadership, communication, time management, organisation, and presentation skills, among others. Perhaps one of the most underrated but powerful gains from my placement was building a strong network of successful and senior professionals across various aspects of the business. This network has been invaluable for both career advice and professional growth!

In what ways did your degree course equip you to excel in your placement role?

My first two years at university provided a solid foundation for my placement, equipping me with essential knowledge and skills for the industry. Modules such as the Global Engineering Challenge and Engineering: You’re Hired were particularly valuable because they simulated real-world scenarios and involved working in multidisciplinary teams. These experiences sharpened my communication, teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, and presentation skills, which I used daily when interacting with merchants and internal teams at PayPal. 

Additionally, core computer science modules like Web and Internet Technology, Java Programming, Software Hut, and Functional Programming provided me with the technical and programming skills crucial for my role. These courses placed a strong emphasis on problem-solving, which was vital for troubleshooting complex issues and understanding their root causes during my placement.

What have you learnt during your placement that you will take back with you as you continue your studies? 

My placement year has been incredibly valuable for both my personal and professional growth. It challenged me to think creatively, boosted my confidence, and sharpened my technical skills. One key takeaway from my placement is the ability to manage workloads and organise tasks efficiently - a skill that will be particularly useful as I tackle my final-year dissertation and other academic deadlines. I’m confident that the skills and perspectives I’ve gained will greatly enrich my final year, helping me bridge the gap between theory and practice.

How has your placement influenced your plans for your future career? 

My placement year has significantly impacted my future career plans. Working as an Integration Engineer provided me with hands-on experience in both technology and business, helping me identify where my skills and interests align best. The confidence and skills I developed were crucial in securing a Technology (Software Developer) Summer Internship at BNP Paribas, where I explored the intersection of technology and investment banking. This opportunity further refined my career goals and deepened my understanding of my professional interests.

It reinforced my commitment to pursuing a career in tech, particularly in roles involving problem-solving, client interaction, and innovation. I’m excited to apply what I’ve learned as I continue to explore my career options and see where this journey takes me next!