Engineering graduate assesment centre

[dantheman12]

I've got an assesment centre next week at a large engineering company in Staffordshire. What can I expect and any tips or advice.
As with regards on what to wear would a suit be over the top?

Any help would be much appreciated

[MotorcyclesFish]

I don't see a situation where a suit would be unwelcome to be honest. Engineering is a conservative industry.

[hyperblue]

Definitely a suit and tie, unless you've been advised otherwise!

Have they given you any information? Usually, aside from an interview, there'll be group work, perhaps a written exercise, presentation or some sort of scenario (I had to negotiate with an actor regarding a technical contract in one).

In my experience, assessment centres really vary between companies.

[dantheman12]

Its for powertrain engineering if that helps. All I've been told is to bring my passport and will last around 8hours.

[Otispunkmeyer]

I would also suggest that you know your basics back to front. When I had an interview like that they definitely made sure you knew the basic things like laws of thermodynamics, T-S and P - V diagrams. So think of the basic things that they might ask you. May ask you to show you understand beam bending, shear etc .

[dantheman12]

I know the basics and operating priciples of diesel engines, spent 2 years at college working on them. Might have to brush up on Thermodynamics and bending of beams and that lot.

[JuniorD]

Definitely wear a suit with tie. You don't want to be that one guy who turns up without!

Group tasks - say your bit, encourage input from others (especially the quiet ones), develop harmony and keep an eye on the time.

[dantheman12]

Had an email today from the company, saying I need to prepare a presentation which demonstrates my potential to be an engineer.

What would be suitable to include in this?

[NewNameNeeded]

dantheman12 said:

Had an email today from the company, saying I need to prepare a presentation which demonstrates my potential to be an engineer.

What would be suitable to include in this?

I'd suggest the topic could be quite broad but would need to focus one how you've demonstrated the following:
- core competency in your field of engineering
- clear and concise communication. I know so many brilliant engineers you need a translator just to understand
- ability to work in and lead teams. Your area of expertise is usually only one small part of a project or jib
-problem solving and innovation
- an understanding of the wider picture. I've seen so many engineers get bogged down in the immediate engineering task at hand without considering if that is the best overall solution economically / commercially.


Just some ideas.

[ninja-lewis]

Useful website here: http://www.wikijob.co.uk/industry/engineering

May even find others who have applied to same company.