Student Process Engineer Review

I've very much enjoyed my placement. It hasn't felt like a chore going to work each morning as I know the work I can look forward to varied tasks and that these tasks make a real difference to the company.

I've been working in a team of 10 process engineers and I know that I'm solely responsible for the areas/processes I've been given. As a result others may ask me questions about this specialized area which is rewarding. Often, as a student, I've had a large number of tasks delegated down to me, including tedious ones which can be a chore!

I have a one-to-one meeting with my manager every fortnight and the desk I've been given is purposefully positioned around experienced engineers so I'm always welcome to ask questions which is very useful.

Very busy. Apart from a lunch break, I'm continuously working hard all day and have an ever-growing list of jobs to keep on top off. It can be a challenge in busy times, especially when projects are reaching a climax at similar dates!

I was given a lot of responsibility for some large processes; projects that took place over the entire year. I had support of others who knew specific details and an overall guidance from my line manager, however the majority of the work was my responsibility.

I've learnt a lot about the way manufacturing companies work, how to work with colleagues and a large number of skills that will be applicable to any job I have in future. I haven't been able to develop many of the technical skills I learnt at university however. Instead, I've gained a far better practical understanding of engineering that may prove to be complementary to this technical knowledge.

Reasonably quiet and hard-working. At times it was distracting when others were having conversations around you, although many of these conversations were beneficial and others who understand the topic well can give their input as well. I spent roughly 50% of my time in the office, 20% of my time in meetings and 30% of my time on the shop-floor.

When I arrived, it took over 3 weeks for me to be completely set up on the computer network, be given an ID card and have the training necessary to begin properly working. This felt really slow and could have been reduced with a better structured induction programme.

Siemens have invested a huge amount - giving us more events than other placement companies. The students on placement around the UK have had 3 full-day events - team building training, presentation skills training and an end of placement gala. I've also had a large amount of training on site, including Health and Safety in the Workplace Level 2, lean training, crane training, lift truck training, cryogenic safety training etc..

There is a low turnover of engineers at SMT as it's a desirable place to work, so future employment prospects are low due to the limited headcount of engineers.

Yes - there are 3 year long placement students and 3 summer placement students working at SMT each year. We've formed a close group and spend all lunchtimes and some weekends together.

Very expensive!! On a student salary, most of the houses to rent in Oxfordshire are too expensive. I live in Witney which is slightly cheaper than Oxford although not too much!

The nightlife in Oxford is good and there are loads of students around during term times. In Witney, there are plenty of pubs but the nightlife's far quieter!

Some opportunities. I've been playing 5-a-side football with work colleagues once a week. I've also been able to run a 5 mile race with work colleagues in a local event.