Mechanical Engineering Intern Review

Before I started I thought that the engineering department would only let me carry out basic engineering tasks throughout the year. However it was completely different. I was trained very well, given all the tools I needed and then encouraged to carry out the same work as a "proper"engineer and not a placement student. I thoroughly enjoyed my team with GE Power Conversion and am definitely applying to their graduate programme.

The office I joined welcomed me in and made me feel at home very quickly. All of my colleagues valued the work I did and my contribution to the team.

Senior colleagues quickly assessed my ability and allocated me relevant tasks so that they were challenging but realistic. My supervisor was always available to help and answer all the questions I had.

I was kept as busy as a regular mechanical engineer. This was not an internship where I could twiddle my thumbs all day, there was lots and lots of work to do. Another bonus was that I was given time to write a detailed log and complete the Uni work which I had to fulfil as part of the placement. The workload was pretty much perfect.

I was allowed to make revisions to engineering models and drawings. A senior colleague would look over my modifications and then approve them. I would say I was given the same responsibility as mechanical engineers already there. Once the team were confident in my ability, they let me carry out increasingly more complex tasks.

I believe the experience and knowledge I gained from my placement with GE Power Conversion in Rugby really opened my eyes to the engineering world. I learnt how complex engineering is split into really small tasks which makes it more manageable. The teamwork required should not be under estimated. My internship reaffirmed my ambition to be an engineering project manager. Alongside with work, I also learnt what it's like to be fully independent and living alone.

Very good, it was neither too strict or too easy going....The releationship between staff of different levels was also good.

Very well set up. For the first 2 weeks, all the engineering interns were grouped together and sent of to do team building exercises. We were given a detailed introduction into the business and also made aware of all the benefits available to us as employees.

The first 2 weeks the company spent a lot of money on the introduction we were given. During the placement there was some sort of training session at least once a week, it varied from first aid to very specific engineering application/program training.

Currently the oil prices are low and the industry is struggling however I do not believe this affects how many interns/graduate they take on.

I very quickly made friends with fellow interns, I learnt about the work they do and also spent a lot of time socialising and having fun.

Rent is around £400 a month for a room. I would say other expenses are at London level.

Poor

The company did have schemes where employees could volunteer to with community projects.