Undergraduate Placement Student Review

I found my 12 week placement at Jaguar Land Rover very enjoyable. I was given a significant real world project to develop and manage myself that was actually relevant to the company, and would be used by the department in future. It was a realistic and accurate experience of the world of work, especially project management and communication skills.

The department and team I was in were always friendly and helpful. I felt like a member of the team, even though I was only there for a short time. Everyone was willing to make time for you, to help you with internal processes, or answer general questions, even though everyone had a lot of work to do.

I had regular weekly meetings with my supervisor. My supervisor gave me direction, but expected me to be responsible for making progress independently, without hand holding, which I really appreciated. I was able to lead the project in the direction I wanted - my feedback was taken on board and considered seriously.

Most days I had plenty to do - my project gave me plenty of work. Things were slower in the first week, while I was still learning about the company, and meeting members of the team, getting familiar with the IT systems, and so on; but things really picked up once I got my project - I could then manage my time more independently. I also had meetings to attend, and got involved with the Graduate Forum, monthly meetings for all the JLR graduates in the division.

I was given a lot of responsibility - I had to deliver a piece of software that would be used by the team on a regular basis, to a relatively short timescale. I was in charge of managing my time, and setting my own milestones and targets, which was good. My manager would check up on my progress every now and then, but it was really down to me to make sure I was getting on with my work.

I developed my time management, planning, and project management skills. I had to deliver a complicated software within a finite period, and of sufficient quality that it could be used by members of the team. I also developed my programming skills, especially C++ and OpenCV, and learnt about advanced image processing techniques that I can use in my studies.

The atmosphere was good. Most people would be happy to talk to you if you needed help, and the office was always busy, so there was always something going on. Sometimes it could be quiet, if everybody was working individually, but it was never too loud or distracting. People would bring in samosas for their birthdays or other events, so you do get to meet employees outside your team.

The placement was pretty well organised. The first week was perhaps a bit slow, but that was because projects in my team were allocated once we'd arrived - on the basis of our interests and expertise. Once the projects were under way, everything flowed pretty smoothly. My manager checked up on me regularly.

I was able to attend several training courses, on both relevant hardware and software that I would need to use in my job. I was also given the opportunity to give a presentation to senior management, and take the necessary course to be able to drive company vehicles. There are also opportunities to take university modules alongside your job.

By completing an undergraduate placement, I am able to be fast-tracked through the Jaguar Land Rover Graduate Scheme application process, and I have already established contacts within the company, that should help me progress in my career.

All the summer placement students were living together in shared accommodation - this led to a really good atmosphere and social scene - especially in the evenings and at the weekend. We'd go to the pub to play bingo mid-week, and go out on Saturday night as a large group.

The cost of living was pretty cheap - accommodation was very reasonable, and nightlife was cheap.

Basically one club in Coventry worth going to, but decent atmosphere and pretty cheap drinks.

There is a company football and other sports teams, so plenty of action to get involved with if you wanted. The company also provide a scheme for supporting extended learning, so you could complete a cookery course, or go on a track day if you wanted.