Michael Emery: Thales e-Security graduate

Employer: Thales e-Security
University: University of Brighton
Subject: BEng electronic and computer engineering

I did a sandwich placement with Thales as it was a local company working in digital electronics. I got back in touch in my final year and they were happy to take me on.

Making use of my degree

I work as a low-level designer of field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) using a high-level programming language. I work from a detailed design document, making the specification a reality by translating the requirements into a working silicon chip that will go into a network encryption device. I make use of a lot of the principles I learned at university, though I had to learn some of the more technical aspects that are specific to FPGAs, as well the particulars of the programming language.

I joined the organisation at the beginning of a big project, just as the real design work was beginning, so I was straight into coding on my second or third day. One piece of work I was given seemed impossible and I felt out of my depth, but with a bit of support I got it working on the hardware and it was signed off a few months ago. That gave me a massive sense of achievement and was a real boost to my confidence.

A friendly atmosphere

Our office is open plan with a friendly atmosphere. I’m mainly desk-based but there is a small lab for testing. I work closely with the three other people in my team – the team leader and two contractors – to ensure we’re not working on the same elements of the project. There’s a strong support network here so I’ve never been thrown in at the deep end and left to cope. I’ve been sent on any technical training courses I’ve needed and the graduate training scheme has given me a chance to meet people from other Thales sites. The courses count towards chartered status and there are elements that concentrate on business and soft skills.