The Cambridge Engineer: Freshers Edition 2019

Cambridge Engineering Society Freshers · October 2019 Featured Engineering Companies - Starleaf , TPP, Jaguar Land Rover, TTP,

CUES grants report Harbin Ice Project

Department Head Industrial placement coordinator CUES president A Student-run Engineering Society - Engineers Without Borders

Crossword

Article Competition Winner - The History of the Bionic Body

THE CAMBRIDGE ENGINEER CUES MAGAZINE W W W. C U E S . O R G . U K

1

From the Editor content page editors word A warm welcome to our freshers and a big hug to the old students!

I’m Lettice Wei, a fourth-year engineer from Magdalene College. I have been designing the magazine for the last year and find it so interesting. This year, I decided to work as the magazine editor for CUES again.

The Cambridge Engineer - CUES’s magazine - is written for students to cover a broad range of engineering- related topics. The articles are mainly provided by company interns and society leaders. This year we will continue with the article competitions started from last year along with the crossword puzzle on the last page.

In this issue, we will introduce to you three important people in the Engineering department and they will introduce to you all aspects of life as a Cambridge engineer. Also you can look into the life of interns from three well-known companies. Hopefully, this magazine will inspire you for a better life as an engineer.

Magazine Editor Lettice Wei magazine@cues.org.uk

2

CUES MAGAZINE W W W. C U E S . O R G . U K

Photo by Bradley Hook from Pexels

CUES MAGAZINE W W W. C U E S . O R G . U K

3

from the Head of Department

Photo from Pexel

Dear Engineering Freshers,

A

very warm welcome to the Department of Engineering. Engineering is the application of scientific

knowledge, together the skills of creativity, design and problem-solving for the benefit humankind. It is very worthwhile. Most of the major problems that face humanity can only be solved by Engineers.

T

he education of the next generation is an important part of what it means to be an Engineer. I spent 20

years teaching first-year engineers in supervisions and I have been amazed to see what they have achieved.

Many of them far exceeded what they thought they might be capable of. Many of them developed new interests and new career-directions based on what they learned.

T

he course you are about to start offers an abundance of opportunities. But there is a big differ-

ence between University and School. At school, people tell you what to do. Here it is much more up to you.

Of course, you have to be ready to work hard, but if you 4

CUES MAGAZINE W W W. C U E S . O R G . U K

CUES MAGAZINE W W W. C U E S . O R G . U K

5

Microsoft is hiring!

Full-Time & Internship Opportunities

Norway, Denmark, Ireland, Germany, Estonia, Czech Republic, the UK and US

Figure 1. Prof R W Prager FREng, Head of the Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge.

are diligent, we can teach you how to take control of your own learning. This is incredibly powerful. It will make your progress in the later years of the course easier and will be of great value to

At Microsoft we are passionate about technology that empowers people around the world to achieve more. We are currently offering full time and internship opportunities to students to help us develop technology solutions that will have an impact on billions of people.

you in your professional life later on.

In modern educational terms, we produce "T"-shaped graduates; that is to say graduates that are both deep and broad. The first two years of the course give you a grounding in a broad range of engineering principles: the top of the "T". This will give you a competitive edge when you are managing multi-disciplinary teams in the middle part of your career. The second two years give you the chance to specialise and study a narrow area more deeply: the vertical part of the "T". This focused material will help you to get your first job.

I hope you will enjoy your time here and that you too will be inspired by what you learn and will have a productive and enjoyable career as an engineer.

Do you have a bachelor's, master's, or doctorate degree in engineering, computer science or related field?

How about a year or two of experience programming in C++, Java or other computer programming languages?

If you’ve answered yes to the above and have strong technical prowess, plus the ability to think unconventionally to derive creative and innovative solutions, then we want to see your application!

To gain real experience in software development apply asap!

European Roles*

US roles* Microsoft.com/university

Best wishes Richard Prager Prof R W Prager FREng Head of the Department of Engineering University of Cambridge.

6

CUES MAGAZINE W W W. C U E S . O R G . U K

*Links are to intern positions, but fulltime roles are on the right on each page. You only need to apply to one location, and we can consider you for all.

CUES MAGAZINE U W. E S CM WCW UA EG S .AOZRIGN. EU K W W W. C U E S . O R G . U K

7

7

F

irst of all, welcome to the Department of En-

early. The weekly industrial placements workshops

gineering! There will be a great deal of new

are designed to help you prepare your CV, identify

things for you to find out about and one of them is

suitable opportunities and encourage you to begin

the Industrial Experience requirements.

making applications. There will be opportunities

As you already know, the engineering Tripos has a compulsory element where you must undertake a minimum of 6 weeks industrial experience to qualify for the Honours part of your degree, and allow you

to meet employers

from the Industrial Placement Officer

at these workshops as well as at careers fairs, employer presentations, workshops and other events. They are here to talk to you - so use the opportunities!

to continue into the 4th year. If you have worked

Alongside this, we coordinate with employers

in an engineering or technology related role before

across the globe to ensure you are presented with

joining the Department, it may be possible to count

a range of quality vacancies which are shared with

this time towards the requirement.

you through our in-house database, CHOICE, how-

Every year over 500 engineering students under-

ever you are more than welcome to source your

take an internship in a wide variety of organisations, gaining an insight into different company cultures, increasing the depth of academic learning, improving transferrable skills and making important contacts. Many employers use these internships as a recruitment tool to encourage you to join them after graduation - a great way for you to get to know the organisation before you commit long-term.

The best time for your internship to happen will be in summer 2020 and the important news is that the recruitment season is already open. Securing an internship takes time so it will help you to start

8

CUES MAGAZINE W W W. C U E S . O R G . U K

Photo from Pexel own internship.

When you need information or advice or you wish

It is normal for you to be unsure at this stage about

to discuss any aspect of the internships, please get

what type of internship may appeal to you, and a

in touch. placements-coordinator@eng.cam.ac.uk

good starting point is looking at how flexible you can be with your parameters. Are you prepared

All the best

to relocate for a role Are you open to consider all

Vicky Houghton

types of roles As an IA student, some roles may be

Industrial Placements CoordinatorUROP

easier for you to secure and by being more flexible

Department of Engineering

you will open up the number of roles you are suit-

University of Cambridge

able for and increase your chances of success.

Trumpington Street

Employers comment on the high number of gener-

Cambridge, CB2 1PZ

ic or poorly researched applications they receive,

Tel 0044 1223 332791

so it will help to spend time to find out about your

Website placements.eng.cam.ac.uk

chosen employers and make researched and well

Twitter CamEngInterns

targeted applications. Fewer better applications are

Facebook CUEDIE

more likely to gain success through to the inter-

Linkedin vicky-houghton-23697b61

view stage than simply applying to everything and

Location take the main staircase to office floor, turn

anything.

right and it’s the last office on the right.♌ CUES MAGAZINE W W W. C U E S . O R G . U K

9

CUES garden party 2018

Kim Barker CUES is the second biggest student society in Cambridge behind the union and the largest faculty society with over 1300 active members spread across many different year groups and several subjects. Our aim is to provide members with technical enrichment beyond what is taught in a degree and to give members the opportunity to engage with both industry professionals and with a wider network of their peers.

What do CUES do?

We organise three main types of events for students: lunchtime presentations given by speakers from various industries and companies; bigger events such as hackathons and an inter10

CUES MAGAZINE W W W. C U E S . O R G . U K

national trip; and finally social events to build a stronger network between peers. We also do work to help support student welfare and work to help tackle problems of diversity and access.

And we do so much on top of this like supporting member projects through student grants, and publishing three editions of our magazine ‘The Cambridge Engineer’ every year (one of which you are reading now!). There are so many opportunities available to our members so keep your eyes peeled when reading our biweekly email bulletins and make sure to stay up to date with our website and Facebook page to avoid missing out.

Events to look out for: 1. Careers Fair We hold the biggest student run Careers Fair inviting a range of different companies looking to attract some top talent (you guys). Perfect to explore potential companies for internships and grad schemes, with the benefit of face to face interaction with their employees.

2. Engineer’s Cafe Free food!? Every week we organise this welfare event providing free snacks, tea and coffee giving students the chance to take a break from work and meet others around the engineering department. At least once a term we run a special edition cafe ranging from pick & mix to ice cream.

3. Lunchtime Presentations More free food!? Conveniently placed in the lunchtime slot between lectures and also offering a free lunch to those who attend, these presentations bring representatives from industry right to you in the department with no effort required on your part. These talks are invaluable for learning about an exciting technical development in the company, getting tips on their application process and getting the opportunity for some face to face Q&A. 4. Hackathons What is a hackathon? Many people don’t know or have never tried one, however it is a perfect way to build on your technical skills and gain some tangible problem solving and teamwork skills. A hackathon is all about using creativity to try to build a prototype for your solution in a given time, usually using coding (i.e. not ‘hacking’ into stuff). Our hackathons will start at the beginner level and build up to cater for all levels of experience.

5. Socials Go karting, black tie dinner, Harry Potter World, garden party… Alongside all the talks and techy events we also have some more light-

hearted fun which will not only give you some time off studying but will also introduce you to a great network of peers.

6. Many more…

There are many more events beyond this! We organise a yearly international trip exploring engineering developments abroad where past locations have included CERN and Amsterdam.

We hold diversity and access events including promoting outreach volunteering activities. And so much more!

Final thoughts You only have a few years here and they will fly by. I would encourage you to get involved with CUES as much as possible in both the fun stuff and also the more career focused events (trust me you won’t regret it later). It is so important to do enrichment alongside your degree both in terms of personal development and your CV. If you also think you’d be interested in helping to organise some of the stuff we do, look out for committee elections in Lent. In the meantime, feel free to get in touch with any questions or ideas (president@cues.org.uk). Good luck with the rest of your year and hope to see you at some of our upcoming events!♦

Kim CUES MAGAZINE W W W. C U E S . O R G . U K

11

Photo from Pexel

to inspire everyone - not just engineers - to step up and play a real part in being globally responsible citizens.

What we did: In the past, we have organised talks by developmental experts such as Peter Guthrie who works on disaster relief and Peter von Lony who works on various overseas developmental projects in countries from Bangladesh to Ethiopia.

What to look forward to this year: For this year, we are looking to up the number and scale of our events. We have a packed termcard consisting of talks by startups and academics who have devoted their time on development as well as activities and forums with more audience participation.

We are also planning industrial visits to companies and factories,

About us:

Photo from Pexel

Few people know that the story of Engineers Without Borders UK actually started from Cambridge University, in fact, in this very Engineering Department. More than 15 years ago, a group of engineering students like you and me were inspired by a similar movement in Canada to make use of engineering knowledge and skills to make lives for under-served people better.

Fast forward a few years, EWB UK has evolved into a nation-wide initiative, involving more than 20 schools across the UK, with headquarters based in London.

EWB Cambridge shares the vision of EWB UK, but works independently by offering talks and events throughout the year. Our focus is on highlighting the possibilities that engineering can do to make the world a better place for the most underserved population. We seek 12

CUES MAGAZINE W W W. C U E S . O R G . U K

CUES MAGAZINE W W W. C U E S . O R G . U K

13

where you visualise how engineering is applied in humanitarian or environmental sustainability work.

We are hosting a design challenge towards the end of Michaelmas term for all to get a sense of engineering for development and pick up a skill or two. In Lent, we will be hosting a conference together with MSF (Doctors Without Borders) and Lawyers without unique opportunity for interdisciplinary conver-

Borders which offers a sation around the hugely

important need for development.

Graduate and intern opportunities at BP It's time to look towards your future

How you can get involved: Finally, we hope you can join us in our movement to make the world a better place through engineering. Keep a lookout for our booth during freshers fair.

Technology is ever-present in all that we do, from oil and gas discovery to digital, alternative energy and lower carbon fuels. We’re also looking ahead to emerging technologies such as advanced imaging, blockchain, robots and more.

BP’s graduate and intern programmes offer the chance to become a leading professional in business, engineering, science or trading. You’ll have access to a support network from senior leaders to current graduates, and learn about our focus on teamwork, respect and ambition.

Follow our facebook page (@EWB Cambridge) or email committee.cambridge@ewb-uk.org to sign up for our mailing list to stay tuned!♦

14

CUES MAGAZINE W W W. C U E S . O R G . U K

Apply at bp.com/grads/uk

Search BP Careers

CUES MAGAZINE W W W. C U E S . O R G . U K

15

Photo by Chait Goli from Pexels

CUES Grant Report Harbin Ice Project Stephanie Hui Yin WAI, Robinson College

16

CUES MAGAZINE W W W. C U E S . O R G . U K

CUES MAGAZINE W W W. C U E S . O R G . U K

17

ropes. We eventually came first in the

Activity Outline In December 2018, I travelled to Harbin as a team member of the Cambridge University team taking part in the Harbin Institute of Technology 2018 Ice and Snow International Construction Competition, which is abbreviated as the Harbin Ice Project below.

I would like to express my gratitude for the help from CUES in the form of the CUES Michaelmas Grant. Without the grant, it would never have been possible for me to embark on such an exciting journey which nurtured me in both academic and personal aspects.

In the Harbin Ice Project, our team of 7 engineering and 4 architecture students were required to design and construct an ice structure. The plan was originally to construct the structure designed by TU Eind-

competition Our design was a net hyperboloid ice truss structure, which we found out after the project to be the world’s first structure of such kind. The project has a high research and development value due to different reasons. Ice has traditionally been used as blocks in construction, with very few prior projects using a sprayed form for construction. Furthermore, the concrete-like compression-only prop-

"Our design was a net hyperboloid ice truss structure, which we found out after the project to be the world’s first structure of such kind. "

hoven but to use a different construction method. However, we decided to take up the challenge and to design our own structure and construction method four weeks before the commencement of the trip.

Our design was an ice truss structure that resembles a minimal surface. Using a mix consisting of water and torn cellulose sheets, thus making our own composition of pykrete, we sprayed on the formwork assembled using wood planks and hemp 18

CUES MAGAZINE W W W. C U E S . O R G . U K

erty of ice often translates to the need for formwork to create a compression-only final structure. In previous sprayed ice projects, tensile fabric formwork or inflatables were often used and detached after completion of the structure, as the formwork was unique to a project. In our project, we devised a simple hemp rope and wood plank formwork which will remain as part of the structure upon completion, CUES MAGAZINE W W W. C U E S . O R G . U K

19

greatly cutting costs and construction efforts.

tine of thinking.

The innovative construction approach not

The project was unique in the sense that all

only aided us to win the competition, but also

team members partook from the initial de-

enhanced my professional and personal de-

sign stage to the end of construction phase.

velopment, which will be discussed in greater

The rare opportunity of getting fully hands-on

detail below.

means that I was able to see problems on

Benefit to Professional Development The Harbin Ice Project was a unique and valuable opportunity for me to implement my book knowledge into the real world. With ice not being a material taught in the structural design course, it was crucial for me to think critically from the fundamentals when solving problems. During design phase, we had to make reasonable modelling assumptions considering the material property for safety checks. It was not without obstacle – the unique property of water expanding when it freezes means that we cannot work out the raw material needed for spraying purely from modelling results. The likelihood of spray mix not hitting the formwork was also carefully considered during the ordering of materials.

During construction phase, we encountered several problems and bottlenecks, including the necessary altering to ensure an efficient rate of spraying and adhering. These details pushed me to think from the root of problems using my existing knowledge and newly 20

CUES MAGAZINE W W W. C U E S . O R G . U K

gained insight instead of following a set rou-

site that was not foreseen during the design phase. For example, upon the start of construction, we realised the 2% cellulose value suggested in previous literature was too viscous and caused the pipes to clog and burst frequently; upon alteration, we realised the 0.3% cellulose value made the spray mix too watery and the mix does not adhere to the formwork efficiently. We quickly carried out experiments and calculations and successfully solved the problems within a few hours, using a final cellulose value of 0.6% by weight. The involvement in all phases of construction allowed me to experience the impact of each phase on the project and the different approaches taken to solve problems at different phases.

Furthermore, the project also enabled me to improve my ability to collaborate with fellow professionals. In the design phase, our team of 7 engineers and 4 architects worked closely together to come up with the design, ensuring it fulfils both structural integrity and aesthetics. It was the first time I had the chance to collaborate with architects at the design CUES MAGAZINE W W W. C U E S . O R G . U K

21

phase and it equipped me of the valuable insight of the design environment that I would not have otherwise obtained.

Moreover, I also had the chance to collaborate with local construction workers that aided our construction progress. Although I know Mandarin as a second language, I had limited knowledge of the Chinese translation of the engineering terminologies, thus having a language barrier between the workers and our team. Our team overcame this problem by providing precise and concise information of the structural drawings and material compositions. This taught me the importance of conveying information accurately on site, as this can greatly increase the efficiency despite possible cultural differences between the designers and local workers.

Benefit to Personal Development The project

also promoted my personal development in different ways. Firstly,

my interper-

sonal communication skills have been greatly improved through the project. Owing to the small team size, everyone’s contribution was crucial and it was important for each of us to voice out and contribute. It was initially difficult for me as it was the first time for me to engage in a project with such a high degree of participation. It was also the first engineering project where I had to collaborate with people that I am not very familiar with, which was the main reason

why I was unsure to voice out initially. Through the project, I tried to push myself to be proactive and I gradually learnt to become better at expressing my ideas. I learnt the approach to present my ideas better for others to easily understand and grasp the key of the proposals. For example, I proposed the use of hemp ropes over the original planned use of aramid fibres for the formwork to achieve a better adhesion, despite the lower tensile strength of hemp ropes, which was later proved a good decision as it was found in the construction phase that the ability for the spray to adhere to the formwork was crucial due to the high miss ratio of spray. This experience taught me to present my ideas carefully and in a more understandable manner, and thus reinforced my interpersonal communication skills.

Secondly, the project allowed me to become a more observant person and this in turn improved my teamwork skills. The fast-paced environment meant it was vital for us to make meticulous

22

CUES MAGAZINE W W W. C U E S . O R G . U K

CUES MAGAZINE W W W. C U E S . O R G . U K

23

considerations and predict

was initially unsure

any possible problems in

about voicing out as

order to ensure the project

it was my first time to

takes place smoothly. Under

this environ-

engage in a civil engineering project with such a high level of participa-

ment, I learnt to become more observant of not only

tion required. I was worried that my ideas might be subpar and pose a

my own work, but also the work of others in the team.

negative impact on the project progress. However, as everyone was

I adapted to situations and helped fellow teammates

encouraged to speak up, the push really helped me gain confidence in

out when I noticed the possibility of their work scope

my ability and I tried to contribute as much as I could. The experience

being larger than what was planned. This ensured the

helped me realise my potentials and I believe it has helped me in other aspects of my life be-

smooth flow of the project and strengthened my at-

yond project purposes.

tention to detail and adaptability at the same time. Not

Again, I would like to sincerely thank CUES for offering me the grant for this project. The project

only will this skill be useful at work, but it also benefit-

has allowed me to grow both personally and professionally, which would not have been possi-

ed me in terms of my personal development.

ble without the CUES grant. I endeavour to continue my engineering journey by utilising all the

Last but not least, this project allowed me to gain confidence in myself. As mentioned above, I

learnings taken from this project.♌

24

CUES MAGAZINE W W W. C U E S . O R G . U K

CUES MAGAZINE W W W. C U E S . O R G . U K

25

The History of the Bionic Body Function over appearance?

Kate Bassil

T

he artificial limbs of the Middle Ages were almost entirely designed for war: their role was to hide

injuries sustained in battle and allow knights to continue fighting. Hooks for hands would hold shields and peg legs could fit into stirrups. It wasn’t until the 16th century that any mechanical limbs were developed. A French surgeon, Ambroise Paré, created hands with flexible fingers using catches and springs. (Figure 1, Nyam Centre for History, 2014) These limbs were not just placeholders, they aimed to function in a way that, while it could not be said to match, could at least echo that of the biological system. Engineering developments occur in response to a need in the market and, as a military surgeon, Paré was all too aware of the need here.

T

Figure 1

he close link between war and developments in prosthetics continued on a greater scale throughout the US Civil war and both world wars. Approximately 30,000 amputations were

performed throughout the Civil War and a further 41,000 in the First World War. (Science Museum: Brought to Life) During the First World War both sides were working to improve the lives of ampuChannel 4 Paralympic booklet, 2012

B

tees. British pilot Marcel Desoutter and his brother created the first metal prosthetic from alumini-

ionic limbs are the stuff of science fiction: from Luke Skywalker’s hand to Robocop’s humanoid

um, weighing 2 pounds compared with the 6-10 pound wooden alternatives. Meanwhile, Germany

form or the blade legs from Kingsman, cyborgs have long featured on our screens. Now they

set up the Test Center for Replacement Limbs, run by Georg Schlesinger, who’s focus was func-

are becoming part of our reality. This article will explore the development of the bionic, defined as

tionality alone, without regard for aesthetics and realism.

“a life-like system that copies some of the functions and characteristics of a natural system”. (Grand

I

t is this approach that is currently

Challenges in Bionics, 2013).

being championed by Hugh Herr,

T

hroughout history, war has been the driver of the bionics industry. As the scale of warfare

an American rock climber, engi-

increased, huge numbers of amputations were carried out. Improvement in medical technology

neer and double amputee, who

increased the survival rate of amputees leading to more and more amputees returning either to the

maintains that “an artificial limb that

battlefield or everyday life. Demand for functioning prosthetics grew and governments respond-

makes no attempt to look like a hu-

ed. The increase in funding of prosthetics after wars led to huge leaps in the capabilities of these

man limb might appear ugly […] but

replacement limbs.

when you take that same aesthetic and you make it highly functional

26

CUES MAGAZINE W W W. C U E S . O R G . U K

Figure 2

CUES MAGAZINE W W W. C U E S . O R G . U K

27

and powerful, then [it] will become intriguing

at the Brown Institute for Brain Science have

and beautiful.” (Humphries, C. MIT Technology

made progress in this area and in 2015 Cathy

Review) Herr possesses specialised prosthetics

Hutcherson, a tetraplegic, drank from a glass

for different activities: walking, running, climbing.

using a prosthetic arm controlled by her mind.

His height can vary from 5 foot 7 to more than 7

This is a huge step towards creating bionics

e-NABLE project. e-NABLE provides a platform

foot. There is no hiding the non-biological as-

which are totally integrated within the human

on which to download or share designs for 3D

pect of his body, and he has no intention of do-

body. However, the current bionic is still limited

printed hands. These limbs are entirely mechan-

ing so, as his publicity shots make clear. (Figure

to a set repertoire of movements. In addition, we ical and can be simply printed and constructed

2, Robohub. 2016)

are yet to see a similar connection in the other

by anyone with access to a 3D printer. This may

direction, where the limb provides feedback to

not be the perfect cure, but it reliably provides

step back for this approach came with the

the brain, through the sensation of touch. The

amputees with much of the capacity they have

Thalidomide Scandal in 1961. The Sunday

progress being made in both of these areas

lost which is something that many cannot cur-

is exciting, but also expensive and a long way

rently hope for.♦

A

Times headline, "Our thalidomide children, a

from widespread distribution.

I

n the meantime, another way forward is to improve the standard and distribution of sim-

ple bionics such as those produced through the

cause for national shame", highlights the issue with these developments: ‘Thalidomide children’ were seen as in some way shameful. The disabilities thalidomide caused was often severe and very visible. As a result the main purpose of prosthetics was not to improve the users’ capabilities but to hide their deformities – disabilities which could have been avoided.

M

Figure 3

I

t is clear that the image surrounding physical disability has changed, with less of a stigma

attached to it. This was never more obvious than in 2012, when more than two-thirds of the

ore recently, the focus returns to function

UK population tuned in to watch the Paralym-

with the ‘Luke’ Robotic arm produced by

pics coverage on Channel 4, a 251% increase

DEKA. “The device uses electrodes which de-

compared with the daily reach of the Beijing

tect tiny muscle twitches wearers make as they

Paralympics.

learn to control the 10 different movements the prosthetic arm can carry out.” and as a result "can pick up objects as delicate as a grape, as well being able to handle very rugged tools like

T

oday, innovators such as Hugh Herr aim to create devices that allow users to excel

rather than just get by. So, what does the future

a hand drill," according to DARPA (US Defense

hold? The next step is to create limbs which

Advanced Research Projects Agency) spokes-

function as our biological ones do: movement

person Justin Sanchez.

caused by neural impulses as opposed to physical movement of other muscles. Researchers

28

CUES MAGAZINE W W W. C U E S . O R G . U K

Figure 4. Enabling the future

CUES MAGAZINE W W W. C U E S . O R G . U K

29

A unique opportunity to explore the world of software engineering saw a group of nine graduates spending their summer developing a whole new skillset of code writing. StarLeaf Software Bootcamp was established in 2018 and ran for the second successful time this summer. Two of our Cambridge graduates, Akhil Shah and Avery Lavrentiev, share their experiences of learning C++, being mentored by expert engineering talent and landing themselves a graduate role for one of the fastest growing tech start-ups.

Firstly, what is the StarLeaf Software Bootcamp all about? Well, it is an exclusive opportunity for final year undergraduate mathematicians, engineers and scientists, with little or no previous software experience, to find out if a career in software development is for them. Run over seven weeks during the summer months in our Cambridge offices, the Bootcamp provides an intensive crashcourse into both computer science concepts and handson programming, with a bespoke curriculum and an eye towards real-world software engineering. It is hard work but fun!

“Software engineering seemed like a potential career option after a physics degree, and this was a good way to see what it was like and greatly improve my coding skills! Writing our own C implementations and seeing them work stands out, 30

CUES MAGAZINE W W W. C U E S . O R G . U K

as you can start to see what is going on inside a computer rather than it all just appearing like magic.

Some of the software bootcamp was more project based, where we worked in teams to make our own servers. This was an interesting challenge and introduced us to some of the protocols used to upload and download files from a server. My coding ability improved very quickly! The little bit of programming I had done in physics consisted of writing code and hoping it worked, with no real understanding of where it was going wrong if it was.

In the bootcamp you start from the ground up, getting a very good grasp as you go along, eventually getting to really tricky stuff. Not only is this a fantastic learning opportunity, there are many other

highlights of StarLeaf software bootcamp such as the many company social events including escape rooms, bowling, a barbecue, weekly lunch and a crusader themed pub trip!”

- Akhil Shah - Clare College, Cambridge “During my time at university, I realised that I really enjoyed programming and algorithm-related tasks whenever they came up – stuff like numerical analysis. Outside of this, though, I had basically no experience with coding, so I was nervous about applying for jobs or internships involving it. So, after graduation when I came across the Bootcamp and its openness to completely inexperienced coders, it seemed like a perfect opportunity! A few weeks into the Bootcamp, we paid a visit to the central Cambridge office in the afternoon to get a feel for the place and meet the people. I expected more of a technical tour, and there was certainly a bit of that, but it very soon devolved into an evening of board games, Mario Kart and falafel – everyone was so friendly that it was easy to get along with people we’d never met, and the event was a blast!

Probably the most important aspect of the whole Bootcamp is the tutoring: most of the time, one or two StarLeaf developers are helicoptering around the room, ready to help and explain stuff at a moment’s notice. They’re really friendly and patient,

and I didn’t feel stupid at all even when I asked the most basic questions, which was a more than refreshing change of pace from my degree…

There are presentations (‘lectures’) on relevant subject matters once or twice a week. These are definitely informative and you can always fill in the gaps in your understanding by asking the tutors when you hit any roadblocks. It’s also been a good opportunity to get better at explaining my reasoning and output to other people in a real-world context, when discussing with tutors (and other Bootcampers) what was and wasn’t working in our code. Of course, there was stuff like that involved in my Maths degree, but mathematicians aren’t real people, and maths isn’t real! I would definitely recommend StarLeaf software bootcamp because you get paid, without the stress of a proper internship. You learn loads of really good skills, it looks great on your CV, it’s tons of fun, and you are provided accommodation (in addition to getting paid!).

The interview, by the way, was amazingly relaxed compared to my past experiences – no stressful technical questions, or stuff like “how have you taken charge in a difficult situation?”. Now bootcamp has come to an end, I’ve got a job offer and I can’t imagine a better way to have spent the last seven weeks.”

Avery Lavrentiev - Cambridge♦ CUES MAGAZINE W W W. C U E S . O R G . U K

31

TPP : The Phoenix Partnership

sity. Because of the way uni was struc-

across the world. They work on pioneering

tured, I never really had “time off”, as I

products, including digital health software,

had to carry on studying even through

apps, and ground-breaking research. TPP

the holidays. At TPP, there’s no pressure

need problem solvers from all disciplines to

to continue working past the closing

help them move healthcare forward.

time, and we are not allowed to take

T

work home. This means that you can

PP have had great success in the UK, with over 5,500 organisations using

Moji – Software Developer University of Cambridge – Engineering

their system to support over 50 million patient records. In recent years, TPP has expanded internationally to tackle global

I

studied Engineering at Cambridge,

health challenges. The Analyst, Communi-

and started at TPP straight after

cations and Account teams regularly travel

graduating. I really enjoy coding, so

internationally, most recently to China and

I decided to look for jobs in software

the Middle East. The technical teams also

development.

have the opportunity to travel. During these

T

PP stood out to me in my job

trips, staff have the time to go sightseeing

search because it wasn’t just

and sample local cuisine.

about making software, but making

I

software that had a huge impact on

t’s not just TPP’s products that are revo-

people’s lives.

lutionary – they’ve also broken the mould

W

orking at TPP actually feels

in terms of company culture. TPP recog-

more relaxed than univer-

spend the day being focused on working efficiently, and then truly have the evenings and weekends off. Also, even though the company is split into lots of little teams, it still feels like one big team – we all help each other and are accountable to each other.

S

ince joining TPP, I have worked on a number of projects. Every couple of months, we change teams, and that certainly keeps things exciting! My first project involved developing machine

learning tools to help with the early detection of cancer. I’m now working to improve healthcare in 32

CUES MAGAZINE W W W. C U E S . O R G . U K

nise the potential that each graduate has from the moment they start, and use that prisons.

T

he extracurricular side of TPP is great. I enjoy playing the guitar, and TPP actually has a free

guitar lesson once a week, which I go to, and it’s been really useful.

T

PP is a global health IT company, working on cutting-edge technology to transform lives

talent to work on exciting projects and challenges. An employee’s value at the company isn’t based on how long they’ve been there – TPP operates on a flat hierarchy, so staff can make a difference and work on new projects from the moment they start.

TPP listen to their employees and have CUES MAGAZINE W W W. C U E S . O R G . U K

33

changed the way they work based on feedback, meaning their staff can be empowered to make a

tpp�

��

difference. As a result, TPP have been consistently recognised as an outstanding graduate employer.

I

n 2014 and 2015 they placed Best Small Companies

named Top Company For

first in The Sunday Times 100 To Work For and were Graduates To Work For

in 2016/17 and 2017/18

by The JobCrowd. Most

recently, they were in the

top 100 Graduate Employ-

ers in 2018 by The Times.

TPP also offer one of the

most competitive graduate

salaries on the market and

won the ‘Best Graduate Salary’ year. They provide an excellent start-

award from The JobCrowd last ing salary with outstanding annual pay

reviews with the graduate salary increasing rapidly during the employee’s time at the company.

T

PP’s hands-on training approach means new employees will have plenty of responsibility from day one, with great support from the team around them, so applicants don’t need to

have any prior experience – coding or otherwise. A bright graduate who is full of ideas and likes spending time with some of the sharpest minds around will be well suited to a career with TPP.♦

WRITE CODE. SOLVE PROBLEMS. SAVE LIVES. STARTING SALARY:

£45,000

ROLES INCLUDE:

• Software Developer • Graduate Analyst • Communications Manager • Account Manager • Technical Operations

34

CUES MAGAZINE W W W. C U E S . O R G . U K

w.tpp-careers.com

CUES MAGAZINE W W W. C U E S . O R G . U K

35

part of the progress. Case

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is an organisation with two world renowned brands. Each brand has different connotations, with Jaguar known for iconic sport cars and Land Rover for luxurious, all-terrain vehicles.

36

CUES MAGAZINE W W W. C U E S . O R G . U K

battery electric vehicle, the Jaguar I-Pace which claimed 3 titles during the 2019 World Car Awards - World Car of the Year, World Car Design of the Year and World Green Car. This just marks the beginning of many more innovative products that are currently in the pipeline under devel-

S

Jaguar Land Rover

Zi Koon Pong, (2014-2018), works in AI & Machine Learning and in this article talks about his experiences of the JLR Graduate Scheme, and about other placement opportunities.

Applications opened on the 23rd September. There are a range of opportunities available, but please be aware that based on volumes of applications received some programmes may close earlier, so get your application in!

in point being Jaguar’s first

o Zi, could you

erful GPUs. We then deploy a prototype model onto our test

please start by ex-

vehicles to evaluate its effectiveness and continue to refine

plaining what you do?

the machine learning model until we get a proof-of-concept

I am a second year gradu-

that is ready for demonstration.

ate engineer at JLR working in the AI & Machine Learning Team within JLR’s Research division.

I

t is interesting that your work is so software focussed.

A lot of people see JLR as a mechanical engineering

company, what do you what do you say to them?

My role is mainly soft-

Although JLR is often seen as a traditional ‘mechanical en-

ware-oriented and involves

gineering’ company, that could not be further from the truth!

conducting projects to

JLR’s vision moving forward focuses on the theme of ACES

develop smart features

– which stands for Autonomous, Connected,

that will help create a more

Electrified and Shared. This is a theme that

personalised experience

the entire automotive industry as a whole are

for our customers. These

moving towards, and is the biggest shift that

models are developed on

the industry has seen yet.

our own in-house cluster

Automotive technology has seen a tremen-

built for machine learning

dous pace of development in all areas over

tasks equipped with pow-

the past few years and JLR is very much a

opment, including ongoing research into self-driving cars.

Hidden beneath the beautifully sculpted interior and exterior of the car lies some of the most advanced technologies, hundreds of metres of electrical wiring, hundreds of electronic control units (think of them as individual microprocessors) and thousands of network messages flowing

CUES MAGAZINE W W W. C U E S . O R G . U K

37

ment who may not have the same

and project management skills I acquired

on the number of failed prototypes and ideas

level of technical background. This

through my 4th year project on Detecting Cy-

that we need to iterate through before we get

forces you to convey your thoughts

clists using Vision Data.

to a reasonable proof-of-concept that can be

and ideas in the simplest manner.

W

hich CUED modules benefited you the most for

between these modules every second. As we pack our cars with more sensors and software to support more features, our cars have essentially turned into a ‘computer on wheels’.

JLR is extremely committed to being at the forefront of an ACES future and are investing heavily in the space of electrical and software engineering, as can be seen through our Undergraduate Electrical Sponsorship Scheme where JLR will provide a £1.5k bursary on the understanding that you return to JLR for repeat placements or are offered a place to join the graduate scheme when you’ve completed your studies.

W

hat skills are involved to do your work?

The nature of research means that a lot of the

time, nobody (even your colleagues!) knows the answer to a question. Hence having an inquisitive mindset is essential, and so is the ability to persist through failure - an inevitable step of the prototyping process.

The ability to communicate concisely and effectively is important, particularly when we are collaborating with someone from a different depart38

CUES MAGAZINE W W W. C U E S . O R G . U K

W

hat is JLR Research like?

handed over downstream to core engineering;

Research is a team which gets in-

but the entire process is extremely rewarding

volved at the very early stages of the product

nonetheless.

your work?

development pipeline, long before a vehicle is

I was quite fortunate as the home

due to be released. We keep an eye on future

department (the team which I will

technologies which may not be mature

be returning to work on a perma-

enough for production in the present

nent role upon completion upon my

day, but has the potential to be a cou-

2 year graduate scheme) works on

ple of years down the line. Getting

This team is responsible for develop-

Machine Learning. The work that

involved at such an early stage in

ing and maintaining the hardware

the team does draws heavily on

the development pipeline means

and software that allow our cars

material from the ‘F-module’ cours-

we have a strong influence on

to connect to the internet, ulti-

es I took during 3rd and 4th year.

the future product offerings of the

mately enabling our customers

These modules came in handy

company.

to remotely connect to their

during the very first project I was

JLR Research is also the birth-

vehicle and securely control

tasked to work on involving com-

place of Land Rover’s award win-

various features such as remote

puter vision.

ning All-Terrain Progress Control

engine start, climate control and re-

In addition to this, I managed to

feature and the world’s first Rotary

draw heavily upon the technical

Shifter. Departments within research cover various areas including powertrain, electrical and autonomy. Being based in a new university campus

W

hat projects are you currently involved with?

I am currently on my 2nd engineering placement working with the Connected Car team.

mote door locking/unlocking via their smartphone.

S

o on the Engineering Graduate Scheme you are expected

to do at least 3 placements. One

building (University of Warwick) pro-

of these placements is not within

vides a very conducive environment

engineering. What placements are

for carrying out research and we also

you doing?

have large desks, workshops and

My first placement within engi-

space for prototyping work.

neering was with the Technical

Most people are unaware

Strategy team. This was a valuable CUES MAGAZINE W W W. C U E S . O R G . U K

39

placement where we had the chance to assembling cars on the manufacturing line which will get delivered to our customers. This placement has given me an appreciation for the personnel who work through day, afternoon and night shifts to ensure that our customers receive the best quality vehicles and a fast delivery time. A key takeaway from the 2 weeks was the importance of designing a part with ease of assembly and repair in mind.

C

ould you explain a bit more about how the graduate scheme is structured?

The JLR graduate scheme is a 2 year programme which focuses heavily on developing your

professional credentials and provides a nice transition into the working world. Upon joining, you will be assigned to a team known as a home department where you will be assigned a manager that will be guiding you throughout the 2 year scheme. They will also be the best person to ask for advice on departments to choose for the 3 placements you will be doing in another team, each lasting for 6 months. Ultimately you know what your interests are and JLR are quite flexible – so feel free to pitch a placement idea to your manager!

W

rapping up, what would you say to anyone considering the JLR graduate scheme or

opportunity to work closely with high level directors within the company by helping them keep tabs on emerging automotive technologies, performing competitor analysis and benchmarking compet-

an undergraduate placement?

Definitely do it! Both schemes are a great way of easing your transition into work life. The com-

itor cars against JLR vehicles. It was an extremely insightful experience as it showed me what it

pany invests heavily in the professional development of the graduates and provides you with the

was like to work with a team that was so influential in steering the technical strategy of the compa-

opportunity to move around the business and find an area that appeals to you the most. Coming

ny in the years to come.

straight out of university, it is hard without experience, to know which area of engineering appeals

My second placement (the one I am currently on) is with the Connected Car team where I am tak-

to you. The undergraduate placement and the rotations on the graduate scheme provide you with

ing on the role of data scientist for JLR’s telemetry analytics platform which has provided me with

such an opportunity to dip yourself into different areas and to allow yourself to discover what you

the opportunity to work with querying large quantities of data and learning about appropriate data

are most interested in.

visualisation techniques.

My third and final non-engineering placement is with the PR team which is responsible for organising test drive events for the media whenever a new vehicle is launched – a placement I am very much looking forward to!

W

hat were the best and worst parts of the graduate scheme?

The best part of the graduate scheme is the ability to move around to various functions

around the business (particularly useful especially in a company as large as JLR) and to gain experience across various product functions.

The most tiring (but also memorable!) bit of the graduate scheme was the 2 week manufacturing 40

CUES MAGAZINE W W W. C U E S . O R G . U K

CUES MAGAZINE W W W. C U E S . O R G . U K

41

CHANGING THE WAY THE WORLD MOVES WHAT PART WILL YOU PLAY?

EARLY CAREERS

About the JLR Schemes JLR has many different placement opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. Placements can range from 3, 6, 12, 15 months and there are also opportunities to apply to sponsored schemes which provide a bursary. There are a range of programmes on offer from Engineering, Design, Technology, Manufacturing, Analytics and other Corporate areas. Within engineering you could opt to work within research, doing things such as data science, autonomous driving, or developing new engines, or you could work on next generation control systems for electric vehicles, or develop a new chassis.

The application process involves completing an online application, online tests, and finally attending an assessment centre. Remember to apply early as some of the popular programmes may close earlier for applications!

The opportunities are wide – visit us at the CUES Careers fair on 28th October to find out more.

For more information head to www.jaguarlandrovercareers.com and select “Early Careers” from the menu. ♦

42

CUES MAGAZINE W W W. C U E S . O R G . U K

A PPR E N T I C E S | U N DE RG R A DU AT E S | G R A DU AT E S This is such an exciting time to be part of Jaguar Land Rover.

More will happen to the automotive industry in the next five years than the last 50 years. And those organisations with the foresight, bravery, determination, investment and innovation will emerge stronger and ready for tomorrow.

The world is a very different place since the first car was made in 1885. Today, the responsibility we share with every other car maker cannot be underestimated. Our evolution must be in line with protection for the planet and the people who share it as a number one priority. At Jaguar Land Rover, we are leading the way in the development of tomorrow’s cars with a clear vision for the future; Cars that are cleaner, smarter and more connected to the world.

If you would like to play your part changing the way the world moves, if you dare to think beyond the challenges of today, to imagine, design and manufacture the most innovative, prestigious and sustainable cars of tomorrow, we would love to talk to you.

Find out more

CUES MAGAZINE W W W. C U E S . O R G . U K

43

TTP: The Technology Partnership Electrical & Electronics Engineering intern Elisa, speaks about how she has found her summer with TTP

I

’ve learnt more than I ever thought I would in such a short period of time. Having previously completed a year in industry as part of my degree, I came to TTP understanding some common industrial practices and thinking I may be given minor roles supporting projects. But that’s been far from the case. From day one, I was warmly welcomed and supported by everyone. I’ve been introduced to a wide range of surgical and medical technologies and have learnt a lot about bio-engineering, Python and gained experience in hardware design, assembly and testing. It has been a steep learning curve, but the challenge has been immensely rewarding. When applying to TTP, what excited me was that they’re a company of ‘inventors’ – with scientists, mathematicians and engineers working together to deliver cutting-edge products and technologies – and I’ve loved being a part of that for my 13-week internship. hilst it’s been satisfying to use knowledge gained through my degree and apply it to real-world projects here, I’ve also developed skills I wouldn’t have had the chance to at university: from learning how to collaborate with clients, to demonstrating my work in group meetings, and attending training sessions in business development and lab safety. All of these opportunities have provided me with skills I know will be

W 44

CUES MAGAZINE W W W. C U E S . O R G . U K

valuable for my future. he culture of working at TTP is challenging and stimulating – and so it could have been daunting, joining as an intern here where you’re given so many responsibilities. But whilst there are those constant challenges, everyone is extremely friendly, supportive and welcoming.

Regular meetings with both my supervisor and main project leader have been particularly useful, as they’re happy to help – no matter what the issue – and have made sure I’m involved in all aspects of the project, as well as checking in that I’m happy and getting the most out of my internship. I’ve been made to feel a valued member of the team and have liked the non-hierarchical staff structure, which ensures everyone’s contribution is treated equally, as well as the fact that you get to work alongside people from different disciplines, integrating all subject areas and skill sets into a team environment. f course, I couldn’t write about my internship experience without mentioning the

T

O

people. Working alongside individuals with similar interests as myself, not only in their passion for science and technology, but also in their wider interests and hobbies, is part of what has made my summer so much fun. I’ve been part of the employee-run Rock Band and Zumba classes, as well as having gone along to work-supported events at the Cambridge Arts Theatre and the TTP Summer Party (there can’t be a greater intern bonding experience than completing an inflatable obstacle course together!) These activities bring everyone closer together and I’m already looking forward to seeing everyone again at my group’s Christmas meal.

I

would summarise my internship experience as having been fantastically challenging, rewarding and incredibly enjoyable. I have loved being a part of the TTP community for these 13 weeks and know that the ways in which I have developed my technical knowledge, communication and organisational skills will prove valuable for returning to Bath. Further, I’m equipped with knowledge that will help as I enter my final year at university and begin thinking about careers, my time at TTP having shown me that I really enjoy the stimulating work that comes from clients (you never know what projects will come through the door next!), and like being part of a team that’s inventing new technologies which make a real difference.

CUES MAGAZINE W W W. C U E S . O R G . U K

45

The space to invent.

If you’re not looking for a job, we’re looking for you.

You’re bright, and you’ve got your head down, inventing a response to a complex scientific and engineering challenge.

Our view is that internships are a chance to learn. We don’t really ask much from our interns other than that. It’s the chance to learn more about your technical discipline, as well as about areas outside of your comfort zone as you work alongside physicists, biologists, mathematicians and designers. To learn about new industries. The demands of working with clients. The whole product development cycle.

Look up and see the company with the space and culture in which you can thrive.

The same is true for graduates. We don’t expect you to know everything from day one. We expect you to learn, try things, to tackle new challenges, and the variety of work that comes from a consulting environment makes us the paerfect place to do that.

ttp.com/cues

46

A

t TTP our scientists and engineers invent, design and develop new products and technologies. We do this for our multi-national or start-up clients, as well as for ourselves when we spot opportunities in the market.

CUES MAGAZINE W W W. C U E S . O R G . U K

If any of this triggers your curiosity, please come and meet us at an event – keep an eye on CUES announcements, or the Careers Service website and emails. Alternatively, if you have questions but can’t make an event, we’re happy to organise an informal phone call with one of our consultants. Just email recruitment@ttp.com if you’d be interested. For now, hopefully the words of Elisa, one of our 2019 summer interns, helps provide you with an insight of what life is like here.♦ CUES MAGAZINE W W W. C U E S . O R G . U K

47

Crossword Source: RF Cafe, teacherspayteachers, wordmint.

Crossword

ACROSS 4 Scheduling graph types 7 Huawei to Ship >2M 5G ____ Stations by 2020, Despite U.S.* 10 Mathematical calculation of RF component string (2 wds.)

12 Unit of capacitance (abbr.)

13 Mr. Morse's first name 15 One of the Ws in WWW 17 Electron beam particle (pl.)

19 A common battery cell size 21 Intel 8086 or Motorola 6800 (abbr.)

22 Stock symbol for Boeing 23 Unintentionally impress a signal on a transmission line (2 wds.)

24 Feature in some waveguides used to increase operational bandwidth

DOWN 1 Drawn without mechanical aid(2 wds.)

48

CUES MAGAZINE W W W. C U E S . O R G . U K

2 Airfoil shapers 3 Three to Launch 5G Home _________ in London* 5 Nearest and furthest points to the center of gravitational attraction for a body in orbit (pl.)

6 What is the natural conversion of one element into another by radioactive decay 8 Ratio of a mechanical drawing 9 Plate or vane used to direct or control movement of fluid or air within confined area 11 Radio signals from the cosmos (abbr.)

14 Direction of carbon fiber strands 16 Joined a male and a female connector 18 Structure of columns and rows 20 The scalar component of velocity 23 European equivalent to the U.L.