Vacation Student Review

The work itself was really interesting! It's even made me reconsider my third year project choice... However, it would have been nice to be given more robust and newer equipment to use in the Network Security labs (USB1.0 is incredibly slow). However, cutting-edge technology is usually a work in progress which I do accept.

My colleagues here were very friendly, always smiling and usually said thanks to me for holding the door open for them. My line manager even invited me out for a completely free two-course meal and a free pint! I also made good friends with some of the other interns (as well some full-timers) who I hope to keep in contact with.

The support here overall was very good with many people giving me support to get the job I needed to do, done. One thing I realised is that people have their own niche talent so it is not enough to just rely on one person; you need to work as part of a team and at Roke, I felt this was done effectively.

I had set goals and a direction so I was never really bored which was good but there were times where I would have to wait a while for things to either download or compile. However, when things were going slow I would just read up on Python and Perl since I needed to use a bit of scripting for my work.

I was the first employee to implement a proof-of-concept of the project I was working on (to my knowledge). I signed the Official Secrets Act which made me feel like a VIP, if I am honest. So yes, lots of responsibility! I also had to demonstrate a prototype to members of management.

It has made me much more security-conscious now that I understand hacking better! In addition, it will benefit me when I take my Computer Security module at university since I understand various web-based exploits now.

Pretty standard for an office environment but occasionally there would be a good laugh and maybe some free cake/doughnuts, which is always a boost to the day! The fact that Roke allows you to listen to music whilst working (within reason) also made the atmosphere better.

I can't fault the organisation of the placement in any way. Everything from the starter pack, the briefings to the plan of action, this was one carefully planned placement. I was paid on time and I was able to take holiday easily.

My colleagues gave me a lot of advice and know-how on Unix-related matters. As a result, I feel more confident and proficient on Unix-based systems.

I would definitely consider Roke as a future employer, though I am 2 years away from graduation as I am on a 4-year programme so there is still time to decide. However, I am not sure if their graduate starting salary would be sufficient to pay back my £32,000+ student debt in good time so I may have to go elsewhere first before coming here.

I regularly went on socials with other students and colleagues, as well as playing squash, rounders and going to the gym with them. I could not have asked for better. Furthermore, I regularly lift-shared/cycled with students/colleagues which made getting to work an absolute breeze!

Well I live in Southampton and commuted to Romsey. The house where I live in Southampton is a tad pricey for what it is, but it's probably because it's a nice area and very near Southampton University's main campus. Socialising is pretty cheap in Southampton if you go to the right places.

The nightlife is pretty good if you're into nightclubs and cheap drinks but I am more of a connoisseur and prefer good music/nice bars, personally.

There are so many clubs I can't list them all but it's basically about the same choice as there is at university.