A day in the life of an engineer
Engineers provide a crucial service. Solving problems, driving innovation, and improving everyday life. After graduating from one of our engineering courses, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience needed to excel in any engineering field, setting you on a clear path to a successful career.
Joe studied BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Herts and has started his first job working at MODE Lighting, who specialise in electronics for lighting. It’s fast-paced, hands-on, and full of variety. Whether that’s designing, testing, or problem-solving, in Joe’s role he is constantly learning and developing skills. He shares below what his day-to-day is like.
Starting the day
Each day begins with checking emails and planning tasks. Prioritising work is essential.
‘There are always multiple projects on the go, so staying organised helps me keep everything on track.’
Hands-on work
A key part of the role is working directly with hardware. Engineers use tools like pillar drills, soldering equipment, and electronic testing devices to assemble and refine products. They also design Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) using Altium Designer, a software that allows them to simulate and optimise designs before production.
‘One of the most satisfying parts of the job is seeing a project go from an idea to a finished product. When I design a PCB, I know that every small decision I make affects how well the final product will perform.’
Sourcing and ordering components is another essential task, ensuring that projects stay on track.
‘It’s not just about designing; we also need to make sure we have the right components at the right time, keeping everything moving smoothly is critical to preventing delays.’
Learning and problem-solving
The role offers continuous learning opportunities. Whether it’s troubleshooting a design issue or researching a new technique, engineers are encouraged to develop their problem-solving skills.
‘During one project I worked on for a sister company, I was responsible for designing and creating a professional and highly symmetrical product. I found this challenging, as I wasn’t entirely familiar with Altium (a design software). To overcome this, I sought assistance from colleagues while also demonstrating my willingness and enthusiasm to learn. Although I enjoy figuring things out on my own, as it helps me learn better, I also appreciate my colleagues' support. There’s a lot of satisfaction in solving a challenge independently, but I value teamwork when needed.’
What I love about my job and engineering
The combination of hands-on work, technical problem-solving, and continuous learning makes the role incredibly rewarding.
’I feel lucky to be in a job that challenges me and sparks my creativity. Every day brings something new, and I love the process of turning ideas into real, working products.’
‘Engineering is such a fulfilling career. If you’re passionate about creating and improving the world around you, this is the perfect field to be in.’