Simona Dimitrova on her work placement at Thermo Fisher Scientific

What kind of projects or tasks where you involved in during your placement? 

Simona: ‘I worked as part of the Global TSIT team in software engineering, where my main responsibilities included planning and implementing a project. It wasn’t a solo task, I collaborated closely with my team members and managed various aspects, from early investigation to execution. Our focus was on enhancing an internal team-maintained software tool used across different departments, particularly aiming to make it more accessible for non-technical or new users.’ 

‘One key challenge was the software’s complexity, especially in terms of its structure and usability. To tackle this, the team ran several knowledge and training sessions. My contribution was developing a new feature that simplified the user experience by generating test automation by providing scenarios and generate test libraries, source code for the execution of the scenario. This meant users could easily run tests without needing in-depth technical knowledge, specifically without write any code. The difficult part was to adapt this change based on the specifications of the software which had generic structure and customisable test libraries.’ 

‘The feature was well received; it significantly helped users and stakeholders and generated positive feedback across that teams that use that software. It aligned with ongoing efforts to move away from manual testing, as the company had developed a test automation framework to streamline the process as it should be the standard the company should aim for, promoting innovation.’ 

What was the most valuable thing you learned during your time there? 

Simona: ‘Technically, it was my first real exposure to test automation and software integration and the internal framework used at Thermo Fisher, which was a steep learning curve. I also had to quickly understand all the tools which were used across the other teams and how they are connected to the centralised CICD and version control system.’ 

‘Beyond the technical skills, I gained insight into how a large organisation operates, everything from events, planning and team discussions to how software releases are being managed. It gave me a better understanding of project management and organisational structure, which are just as crucial as the coding itself.' 

How did the placement match your expectations going in? Anything that surprised you? 

Simona: ‘It was exactly what I was looking for. I wanted a work placement that combined software engineering with practical AI implementation, and I am happy to say it ticked both boxes. I feel quite lucky; the experience has been very satisfying and aligned perfectly with my expectations.' 

Did the experience influence your ideas about your future career path? 

Simona: ‘Even before starting the work placement, I was certain I wanted to pursue a career that bridges engineering and data science. This experience confirmed that direction for me. I remain passionate about applying engineering principles alongside data-driven methods to tackle complex, real-world problems in my future work.' 

What was the biggest challenge you faced, and how did you handle it? 

Simona: ‘There were quite a few challenges early on. In the first week, I had to dive into documentation and get to grips with the domain, material science, transmission electron microscopy, which was completely new to me. Understanding test automation and the internal structure of the company also took time. I didn’t initially know who to contact for what, which was a bit frustrating, but over time I got more comfortable with the organisation and data.’ 

‘One major project challenge was that I wasn’t just responsible for implementation, I had to plan everything from the ground up. At BUas, we often get project outlines and just focus on building, but here I had to manage planning, requirements, and coordination with team members. That included tracking progress, reviewing others’ work, and integrating it with mine. It was a difficult adjustment at first, but now I feel more confident and believe I added real value to the team.' 

What’s next for you? 

Simona: ‘During my final year of studies, I have chosen to do another work placement. I want to gain as much practical experience as possible while I am still in the learning stage.’ 

You can connect with Simona on LinkedIn.