Student Engineer Review

I was an engineer in the Systems group within R&D. I was given several projects throughout the year which I was solely resposible for and was required to support larger team-projects. My projects were mainly based around cryogenics and instrumentation. A lot of my tasks involved using CAD to design and draw components required for experiments and producing technical reports.

I was formally trained to use NX (a CAD software) which was needed for my day-to-day role. I produced extensive technical reports to document my work and presented to large audiences which improved my communication skills. The placement was accredited by the IMechE and therefore counted towards professional development with the institution.

I really enjoyed the placement. I made good contacts within the company and developed a good professional network. The experience gained was very useful and I have employed it both back at university and in the workplace. The working environment was relaxed and sociable. The department and team was well motivated and driven.

I felt appreciated by my manager and supervisor and was encouraged regularly. I did not get a sense of appreciation from anywhere above them in the organisation. I had little interaction outside of my team. My involvement in projects was good; I was often given a high level of resposibility and autonimity.

The induction was well structured and easy to follow, it is a standardised induction for all. The training could have been improved; it was provided internally by members of the team who did not teach professionally. The support varied between placement students, I recieved a good level of support but others did not. There did not seem to be a very clear team structure or method of task-delegation.

I did not feel as though I had good access to my training provider. They often ignored emails and calls and seemed to do the bare minimum to support me with issues I had. They did visit three times to meet and discuss progress but little was done about issues I had raised.

My manager was very supportive and made sure to meet for a one-to-one meeting at least once a month. He took great interest in my development both in work and outside. I felt quite distant from HR but had no issues which needed their involvement. Overall I think that the employer delivered support well and seemed open and approachable.

I think that the salary is justified for the level of the placement but it was just barely enough to live in the area which is quite expensive for renting, travel, and living costs. There was very little housing or accomodation in the immediate area and so travel costs to and from work were high.

I was encouraged to get involved with external events whilst on placement such as STEM ambassadoring and attending careers fairs at Universities. The organisation was involved heavily in outreach events at local schools and I was invited to help out with these regularly. The company also had several sports clubs which seemed open and easy to join.

Yes

It is a great place to start a career or just to gain experience to help you at Univerisity or in later work life. The atmosphere is laid-back and understanding. There are few deadlines which are forced on you as a student and the placement itself is more about developing the student than getting work out of them.

Try to research the company before the interview. Make sure the interviewer realsises that you are interested in the company. Try and ask questions about the type of work you will be doing. Try and have examples ready of projects you might have worked on. The application process is straightforward and easy to complete. Make sure you fill out every field online, never write nothing even if it gives you the option to.