James  Seddon Acoustical Engineering (MEng)

Summer placement: Engineering Intern, Siemens Energy

Hi, I'm James Seddon and I studied Acoustical Engineering (MEng) within Engineering and the Environment at the University of Southampton.

Upon completion of my time at Siemens I received a report detailing how my colleagues felt I'd performed. Having something like that will be invaluable, as it'll serve as evidence that I can work well not only in a university setting, which is considerably more academic, but also in the real world.

I knew I wanted to be an engineer - but before applying to University, I'd not thought a huge amount about what type of engineer. I liked aircraft and had almost assumed I'd become an Aeronautical Engineer, but when I was researching jet engines I came across the ISVR facility in Southampton. I wasn't sure how acoustics applied to jets so I had a look and the more I looked the greater my interest. Eventually I decided on Acoustics as it had a wider range of applications.

Southampton has the ISVR - widely regarded as the world's leader in acoustics research. Coming to Southampton for acoustics is the equivalent of going to MIT for Aeronautics or CalTech for electronics. In addition to this, the University had just the right balance between the attractiveness of the campus and the integration with the city - something many universities lack (of the ones I saw).

I've enjoyed the ability to understand more about what's around me - sound is everywhere and knowing how and why it is so is both interesting and useful.

The lecturers are generally very friendly, helpful and, of course, knowledgeable. Whenever I've needed help with a  specific problem - I've been given it, though rather than simply telling me the answer, most will work through background theory until I can answer myself which I find to be a much better teaching style.

The faculty is well stocked with wind tunnels, simulators, computer labs, experimental labs and a whole range of software. While a student may not use all of the facilities in their time at Southampton, when they do - they'll be brilliant quality.

I found my summer placement through a family friend who had been an active member of the industry for over 40 years.

I spent 12 weeks in Duisburg, Germany working for Siemens Energy. My role was the torsional and lateral vibration mode analysis for various industrial compressors - then utilising the data to determine trends and run cost/benefit analyses to check if there are savings that could be made on the couplings between major components.

I enjoyed the chance to see the compressors I'd been working on in simulations in reality. Quite often engineers can lose sight that what we do actually applies to the real world and having that 17 tonne reminder is something I'll never forget.

Upon completion of my time at Siemens I received a report detailing how my colleagues felt I'd performed. Having something like that will be invaluable, as it'll serve as evidence that I can work well not only in a university setting, which is considerably more academic, but also in the real world. Conversely, seeing how companies operate from within means that I have a better understanding of how to best apply in future and has focussed my aim as to where I want to go in my career.