My name is Ellen, and I’m from County Down, Northern Ireland. As part of my M.Eng in Electrical & Electronic Engineering at Newcastle University, I had the privilege of completing a 10-week industrial placement at ETA Green Power. During my time as a temporary Student Engineer on the firmware team, I was entrusted with developing the India drive cycle. This project involved creating software for rolling road testing of electric scooters to emulate real-world driving conditions in India.

I further enhanced the project by automating the drive cycle in two ways: directly within the firmware—activated by a scooter button—and by designing a Python script that automated the process via CAN message transmissions. Having never worked with Python before, I quickly learned and applied the programming language, enabling me to develop scripts to interface with PCAN hardware and send speed commands to the motor.

What stood out most during my industrial placement was the incredible team at ETA. The engineers were not only exceptionally talented but also genuinely committed to guiding and mentoring me throughout my projects. Their support allowed me to develop valuable technical skills while gaining insights into how a dynamic, growing business operates. I saw firsthand how various engineering disciplines collaborate to tackle challenges and deliver innovative solutions.

Beyond the technical experience, my time at ETA also strengthened my teamwork, problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication skills. Outside of work, I loved exploring the vibrant city of Norwich and its picturesque surroundings, discovering its rich history as a hub for engineering innovation.

I’m deeply grateful for the warm welcome and invaluable experience I had at ETA. It was an inspiring opportunity that has greatly enriched both my personal and professional growth.