Anish's award-winning placement at Bentley Motors

My overall placement experience was incredibly varied and rewarding. A typical day involved analysing test data, developing MATLAB tools, working with SQLite databases, and supporting engineers with measurements such as wheel loads, CoG and MoI processing, tyre models, and vehicle setups. I also spent time working with robotic simulation software, which linked nicely with my degree. One of the biggest projects I took ownership of was creating an automated system to extract vehicle mass properties from hundreds of PDF and Excel files, something that significantly streamlined the workflow for the wider team. Being trusted with such a large data-processing system helped me grow technically and gave me real confidence in taking on end-to-end engineering tasks.

My most memorable moments weren’t just the technical achievements, they were the people I worked and travelled with throughout the year. Moreover, the team made every day enjoyable and created an environment where I felt supported, challenged, and valued. In terms of challenges, the toughest part was learning how to work with vague or unfamiliar information. Often, I’d be handed a task with very little detail, and I had to break the problem down into smaller pieces to understand the what, how, and why before building a full solution. That process taught me how to be independent, logical, and resourceful and these lessons will stay with me throughout my career.

What are the best things about your placement?

The best things about my placement were the responsibility I was trusted with and the people I had the privilege to work alongside. From day one, I was treated as a genuine engineer rather than a student, and my work directly contributed to real vehicle development. Also, being part of technical discussions with senior engineers, and seeing my work reflected on prototype vehicles made the experience truly unforgettable.

But just as important were the people. The team around me shaped my placement more than anything else, their support, humour, and willingness to help made even the most challenging days enjoyable. I quickly learned that the environment you work in is just as meaningful as the work itself. During the year, I developed a personal quote that started as a joke among friends but grew into something that describes my whole approach to work: “Take it metaphorically, not literally.” For me, it’s a reminder to stay open-minded, not overthink situations, and embrace the bigger picture rather than stress over every tiny detail.

What skills have you gained from your placement year that you think will be most useful in terms of your final year of studies and future career?

I gained strong technical skills, including advanced MATLAB programming, SQL/database design, PDF and Excel data processing, and experience with robotic simulation software. I also developed a much deeper understanding of vehicle dynamics, tyre behaviour, and Centre of Gravity/Moment of Inertia measurements, as well as how real test data is collected, validated, and used in engineering decisions. These are skills I can now directly apply to academic projects and my final-year work in autonomy and robotics.

Beyond the technical side, the placement gave me confidence, strong communication skills, and the professionalism needed to thrive in engineering environments. It made me more agile and resilient, you never know when you’ll be asked to present your work, explain a topic, or take on responsibilities you didn’t expect, and I learned to adapt quickly. I also developed the ability to manage deadlines, lead small technical tasks, ask the right questions, and present complex data clearly. These qualities will be invaluable in both my final year and my long-term career.

How did your course prepare you for your placement year? Did any specific modules or skills help you?

My Mechatronics engineering degree provided a strong foundation in programming, control theory, and data analysis, which were all critical during my placement. The modules focusing on autonomy and robotic software gave me the confidence to work with large codebases and build my own tools independently.

Additionally, my past university projects, including my autonomous vehicle coursework and my group MEng coursework with the AMRC on future-factory, taught me how to problem-solve creatively and break complex engineering challenges into manageable tasks. This directly translated into the work I did at Bentley.

What are the best parts of studying your course?

What I enjoy most about my course is how hands-on and future-focused it is. Mechatronics engineering gives you the opportunity to build real systems, program autonomous vehicles, and tackle complex problems that blend hardware and software. The mix of theory and practical learning is one of the biggest strengths of the course.

I also really enjoy the creativity it allows, whether it was designing autonomous line-following robots, developing factory-automation concepts with the AMRC, or designing a control system for the 3 DOF helicopter or applying robotics principles to automotive engineering. The course constantly pushes me to think differently, experiment, and innovate.

How has your placement influenced your future career plans?

My placement completely clarified the direction I want to take my career. Before joining Bentley, I knew I was interested in robotics and vehicle engineering, but the year allowed me to see how those areas come together in real industrial applications. Experiencing vehicle dynamics, automation tools, and data-driven engineering has made me want to pursue a career that combines robotics, software, and automotive performance.

It also showed me that I enjoy roles where I can improve engineering processes and create tools that help entire teams and not just work on isolated tasks. I now feel more confident, more focused, and far more prepared for graduate opportunities in the automotive sector.

Did you receive any assistance from the engineering placements team? If so, can you please explain how they helped you?

Yes!!!! The engineering placements team provided really helpful support throughout the application and onboarding process. They helped review my CV, prepare me for interviews, and gave clear guidance on how to present my technical experience effectively.

They were also available during the year whenever I needed support or had questions about assessment requirements. Their assistance made the entire process smoother and gave me confidence during the more stressful parts.

Big Up careers and placement team!

What would be your best piece of advice for other students considering doing a placement year?

My advice would be: do it and be open-minded. You don’t need to have everything figured out before starting, because the whole point of a placement year is to learn, explore, and develop as you go. A placement will push you out of your comfort zone, but it will also reward you with experience, confidence, and a level of clarity that you simply cannot get from university alone.

I’d also say: don’t be afraid to ask questions, even if you think they’re silly! Sometimes you have to risk embarrassing yourself a little, and honestly, those moments make great stories to share with your peers later. Everyone knows you’re there to learn, and the more curious you are, the more valuable you become and the richer your placement year will be. Employers love hearing those stories too what you learned, how you learned it, and why it mattered.