Integration and Validation Engineer Review

I enjoyed my placement very much. I was given a lot of responsibility and got to front new projects that were being started by the company. Communication was good as I was able to interact and talk to fellow employees around the globe. There was a lot of social events that the staff ran out of office times or lunch times that lightened the day

I felt very valued as intern. I was part of and worked in a small team where my ideas were taken seriously and carried weight. I was allowed to front projects and did not feel as though I was being monitored constantly. The office and company treated me as an equal and as a fellow employee

Guidance and support were given to me whenever I needed it. This was done face to face either though general conversation of through bi-weekly 1-1 meetings with my manager. I was supported by all members of my team and was lent a hand if I was ever struggling, however I would be still pushed to try and solve the problem myself.

I was constantly busy. There was never a time when I was completely free and had absolutely nothing to do. If I had finished early, my team would give me something else to start so work never truly finished, which is a good thing. This kept me stimulated and very busy.

As a placement I was given a lot of responsibility, even going as far as saying too much at some points. During the peak of my placement I was fronting around 4 projects and had at least 4 meetings daily. I was also responsible for small tasks that would get picked up on if they were not done

I have picked up a great knowledge in analogue/digital electronics as well as systems engineering. This will help me through my third year of study and also be most beneficial towards my final year project. My computer knowledge has also greatly increased, by being able to use computer software in engineering purposes I can see how it is crucial to my future in engineering.

There is a light and happy atmosphere in the office. Everyone is kind and willing to communicate with each other. The office has an open layout to encourage this also. Although the office is work driven, there is time to socialise and the environment is easy go. There are many social activities that go on during lunch break and after work so staff can socialise.

The placement was well organised from when I started on my first day. My desk and laptop were ready for me and my planed work throughout my first month of my placement was made clear to me. Every 2 weeks I would have a meeting with my manager who would ask me what I wanted to do and we would put together a work schedule

Very appealing. The office environment is great. The staff are friendly and the department and work that CAT does is fulfilling and exciting. I would love to come back as a graduate on the Caterpillar graduate program after I finish university. The possibility to even work in another department adds to the appeal.

Social scene was great. There are many clubs and bars in Peterborough located in the Town center. Charters and red rooms ect... Teams will also hold dinner parties, sports events and other social activities regular in order to allow staff to mix and socialise. Town is walking distance from work and staff who drive are always more than willing to give you a lift

Cost of living really depends on where you choose to live. Placements usually live in Hampton where rent is around £450 pcm. Cheaper areas are Dogsthorpe or Bretton where rent varies around £250 pcm.

Nights out are fairly cheap with bars and clubs advertising drinks deals regular and offers into clubs if you have visited certain bars. Charters is popular bar with a lake. It is busy in the summer. Other night clubs in the town are The Met Lounge and Red Rooms which are enjoyable

There are many activities that go on outside of work such as Friday night football, squash, badminton and tennis also The Perkins Great Eastern Run ect.. There are many gyms in Peterborough such as The Gym and VIVA city gym. Caterpillar are pro socialising outside of work and set up and sponsor many sporting events.