Supplier Evaluation and Development Engineer Review

Invaluable exposure to the inner business mechanics of an international engineering firm. Highlights importance of design to cost, design for manufacture, design reviews with regard to maintaining programme timescales and budgets. Will be highly beneficial in the future as an Engineer. Great networking opportunities working in Supplier Evaluation and Development

Felt like a fully integrated team member, some colleagues forgot I was an undergraduate!

Line manager showed great enthusiasm for my development and was almost always available to offer good constructive advice. Technical co-ordiantor was also very helpful. Attended various training courses to help my personal and professional development.

Workload fluctuated in the first few months, but department had not taken on an Undergraduate before and were perhaps a little unprepared. Given plenty of challenging tasks as placement progressed and the last 8 months in particular have been very satisfying

Given plenty of responsibility particularly with REACH task, support and guidance was always available when required and feedback was regular and always constructive. Progress regularly reviewed, not left to my own devices or laid with tasks out of my depth!

Greatly enhanced business competencies, now have a greater appreciation of the business impacts that design engineers have, successful application of life cycle management, cost of quality models etc. Will be of benefit to me in future engineering and/or commercial roles.

Supplier Evaluation & Development department is split across the business, so sat with my line manager and various others in all sorts of roles (open plan office). Neighbours were reserved but approachable.

Training plan issued on joining, clear objectives set and progress reviewed with additional objectives added on a regular basis. Workload varied in the first few months but as the first undergraduate placement in my department was probably expected!

Week long induction for all apprentices, undergraduates and graduates with a full day of 'training' followed by interaction events in the evening, normally involving food and alcohol! Attended training courses relevant to my role within a month of joining

Retention rate of undergraduates is high across the business. Currently going through the process of formally being offered a graduate job

Stevenage is not the most exciting place to live but there is a large community of undergraduates and graduates on site. Play in 5 a side football leagues and regularly meet up with work colleagues at weekends.

Stevenage is a London overspill so housing is expensive, salary is reasonable for industrial placement (£16,000) so I have been able to survive well and run a car! Nights out can be expensive.

Stevenage not being particularly large, or having a University means that the nightlife isn't great! Surrounding areas (Hitchin, Hatfield) are hardly party towns either, London is 20 minutes away on the train but they do not run late through the night. There are some pubs in the old town and a leisure park which has a Liquid and a Chicagos. I do not hold the Stevenage locale in high regard - most of the young ladies have kids of their own and I've witnessed several fights over the year! The only good thing about the leisure park is the 24hr McDonalds.

Plenty of opportunities to get involved in sports/other social activities should you wish. Undergraduates and Graduates can easily get involved in volunteering activities through MBDA.