Hey everyone! I’m Evan, a BEng Software Engineering student currently on my placement year at Rohde & Schwarz, working in the Signal and Spectrum Analyzer team. If you’ve ever wondered what a placement year really feels like: the learning, the engineering, the socials, the unexpected surprises – here’s a fun look into my journey so far.
How I Found My Placement
If your job search starts with 15 open tabs and mild panic… trust me, you’re not alone.
I found my placement through LinkedIn, after using loads of platforms and tools that I break down properly in my Placement Cheatsheet YouTube Series.
It wasn’t a straight line. I applied, got rejected, improved my CV, practiced mock interviews, and eventually landed the perfect opportunity at Rohde & Schwarz. Consistency was everything.
What I’m Most Excited About
My role involves working on software for advanced signal and spectrum analyzers, but one thing I’m seriously looking forward to is:
· Visiting the factory where the instruments we develop software for are actually made.
It’s outside the UK, and it lets me see the product from a totally new angle, from components, to manufacturing, to the software layer.
As someone who loves understanding the full stack (literally), this is going to be incredible.
One thing nobody tells you is how much the social side of a placement matters.
My team has already bonded over Laser tag battles, Kayaking trips, Team socials and hangouts!
Turns out, it’s easier to collaborate on technical tasks when you’ve already laughed together outside the office.
How My Course Prepared Me
My Software Engineering degree gave me the core skills and mindset needed to thrive:
✔ Strong foundation in programming
✔ Ability to break down complex problems
✔ Adapting to new tools and workflows
✔ Continuous learning and curiosity
Those fundamentals made the transition into industry so much smoother.
Going back to final year after this placement will feel like returning with bonus XP.
From my placement, I’ll bring back:
• A deeper understanding of how software interacts with hardware
• Hands-on experience with industry tools and processes
• Real case studies for my coursework
• More confidence in group work and problem-solving
• A clearer idea of where I want my career to go next
Placement year basically upgrades your perspective on everything.
Advice for Students
I’ve got an entire video series breaking down my full 5-stage strategy (find it here) but here are three quick tips:
1. Start early: Your stress levels will thank you.
2. Track your applications: A simple spreadsheet stops chaos.
3. Practice interview skills: Confidence comes from repetition.
These tips work even if you’re not in tech. A lot of the principles apply to any industry.
🔗 Connect & Follow
If you want to see how I’ve set up my LinkedIn or just connect professionally, feel free to add me — I’m happy to help and share insights.
We also created ‘@TheFullStackEngineer’ on Instagram, where we share:
📌 Career tips
📌 Insights from the industry
📌 Job opportunities from my personal network
It’s designed to help students regardless of whether you’re in tech or not. Join the community and let’s fast track our careers together.
This placement year has been eye-opening, confidence-building, and genuinely fun.
I’ve learned so much, met great people, and discovered new interests.
If you’re thinking about doing a placement: do it!
You’ll grow, adapt, and surprise yourself along the way.
And if you want step-by-step guidance, I got you! 👉 A Student Guide To Industry Placements