Mukul, a BSc (Hons) Computer Science student, shares his placement experience as an IT Executive at Tata Motors Design Tech Centre. From developing technical skills and automating processes to exploring the automotive design industry, they reflect on what they learned, how the experience shaped their career ambitions and their advice for students considering a placement year.

What are you studying and what year are you in?

I am studying BSc (Hons) Computer Science with Professional Placement Year. After completing my placement year, I am now in the final year of my degree.

Why did you choose to study your chosen course?

I chose Computer Science because I have always enjoyed mathematics, logical thinking, and problem-solving. The course brings these interests together and helps me understand how technology works, from developing software to learning about hardware and the logic behind computer systems. My long-term ambition is to become a data scientist because I enjoy working with numbers, finding patterns, and using data to solve problems. Computer Science also allows me to explore different technical areas and keep my future career options open.

How did you organise your placement?

I found the placement through BCU’s Careers+ portal and applied with a cover letter tailored to the role. As part of the interview process, I prepared a five-minute presentation that caught my manager’s attention and helped me communicate my skills and interest in the position. After receiving the offer, I worked with the university and the company to complete the required documents and prepare for my start date.

As the office was in another city, I also organised a daily commute of up to one and a half hours. Preparing my meals, packing my bag, and arranging everything the night before helped me maintain a consistent routine and manage my time effectively.

What was a typical day like for you on placement?

A typical day began with checking my emails and Microsoft Teams messages before organising my priorities using Microsoft To Do. I would then speak with my manager about my current work and any new tasks that needed my attention.

My regular responsibilities included monitoring device compliance, checking that systems were communicating with company servers, responding to support tickets, and helping maintain business continuity. I also provided A/V support during company events.

One of my favourite parts of the role was using PowerShell and command-line scripting to automate repetitive processes. The scripts I developed helped reduce manual work and allowed the team to complete certain tasks remotely. I also had opportunities to support AI projects and assist the Visualisation Team with Python coding.
The working environment was friendly and collaborative, and our weekly meetings helped us discuss progress and upcoming priorities. The free office coffee, especially the flat white, was another small but memorable part of my working day.

How did the team support you during your placement?

BCU supported me throughout my placement journey. The Faculty Office helped approve my placement, and when UKVI guidance affected my start date, BCU arranged a temporary micro-placement so I could begin working part-time as planned. My placement tutor also contacted me each month to discuss my progress and experience, helping me remain connected and engaged with the university.

At Tata Motors Design Tech Centre, my manager and colleagues gave me the time and support I needed to learn. They encouraged me to ask questions, explore different areas of the company, and learn from teams outside the IT department.

I was trusted with meaningful responsibilities and encouraged to contribute my own ideas. My colleagues guided me whenever needed while also allowing me to work independently. This supportive environment helped me improve my technical skills, take ownership of my work, and become more confident in my abilities.

What did you find most rewarding about the placement?

The most rewarding part of the placement was knowing that my work made a positive contribution to the team. In particular, the scripts and automated solutions I developed helped reduce repetitive manual work and made some processes more efficient.

The feedback I received at the end of my placement was something I will always remember. Some colleagues told me that, based on the way I worked and contributed, they had assumed I was a permanent employee rather than a placement student. This was a meaningful compliment because it showed that my professionalism, work ethic, and contribution had been recognised.

How did the placement help you think about your future career?

The placement showed me how learning goes beyond textbooks and lectures. University provides an important academic foundation, but the workplace teaches you how to apply that knowledge, solve real problems, and work with different people.

Working in the automotive design industry also introduced me to areas I had not experienced before. I found it fascinating to see how a vehicle develops from an initial design to a finished product.

My long-term ambition is still to become a data scientist, but the placement encouraged me to broaden my interests. I would now like to learn more about CAD software and visualisation and explore how computing is used in different industries. I want to build a career that uses my technical skills while remaining varied, interesting, and meaningful.

What advice would you give to other students thinking about doing a placement?

My main advice to any student considering a placement is simple: Do it! Securing a placement is not always easy. I submitted almost 100 applications and received many more rejections than invitations to progress. However, I continued applying and tried to learn from every experience. Each application and interview helped me improve my CV, communication, and interview skills.

Stay focused on your studies, apply consistently, and remain open to opportunities in different roles and industries. A placement may introduce you to career paths you had not previously considered. Rejections only change the way you apply, but they do not determine your future. Keep moving forward and remain curious!