Undergraduate Intern Review

There were three main aspects of the placement that I enjoyed: - The variety of work: I was given two main projects to complete throughout the placement and then was able to contribute to other projects within the team throughout my time - The team: I was in contained a variety of different characters and levels of management. Everybody was very welcoming and the environment was great to work in - The ability to actually do something: One of the bits of work on top of my projects was resolving some issues with current production cars. My work helped resolved this which was satisfying

The working atmosphere and environment were fantastic. Colleagues looked out for me from the beginning and were quick to invite me to lunch and give me a tour. However, in addition, each member of the team sat down with me to explain their role and the work they were doing. I was then able to work alongside them and complete my work which could contribute to some areas of their own.

The nature of my role and projects meant day to day I was working very independently, however, I would have a weekly one on one with my manager who would provide guidance with the work I was completing and with future work that was to be done. My manager also made sure other members of the team were available to help me on a daily basis when he was unavailable.

The nature of my role and projects meant day to day I was working very independently, however, I would have a weekly one on one with my manager who would provide guidance with the work I was completing and with future work that was to be done. My manager also made sure other members of the team were available to help me on a daily basis when he was unavailable.

I was responsible for my own projects and for work on live issues. The level of responsibility given to me there was encouraging, as it was beyond what I would expect for an undergraduate student. Also, there were no barriers in place to prevent us from seeing or knowing about future cars etc. which is again could not be the case.

The skills gained will definitely be useful. I know have knowledge of the automotive industry and specifically the software aspects of cars. This is a sector that is growing massively and is a huge career opportunity. In addition, the preparation it gives you for coming back on a graduate scheme is fantastic as knowing how a big company functions is a foot in the door.

The atmosphere in my close team was great. There was banter and good fun, but this never detracted from the fact we were there to work. Other teams across the office were far less vocal, although food was often shared in and between team. This ensured teams mixed and relationships beyond the team could be built.

The work placement was very well organised except for the contract sending; there was an issue as it was sent just as I left university for the Easter holidays, delaying my ability to sign and return it. Other than that, the survey to place you in the company was good, and the structured events and support was always useful.

The company invested as much as could be expected from an undergraduate internship. Opportunity was given to attend training modules in the same way permanent staff can and access to online modules was also available. However, no specific training other than overviews was really provided and this was not structured.

The initial employment prospects look great with the opportunity to progress straight from the placement onto the graduate scheme without another interview. The graduate scheme is well structured and well paid, as well as being very highly regarded. Moving beyond the graduate scheme is slightly less appealing as there are many employees at the grade above graduate and there doesn’t appear to be any fast progression beyond those lower grades into management.

The main social scene was a liberty point where many of the undergraduates stayed. As I didn’t stay there, social interaction was limited as often an early start with a long commute home prevented any opportunity to go out for a meal or go for a drink. However, at lunchtimes I was able to sit with other students and colleagues away from the work desk and enjoy a good chat.

The cost of living is fairly reasonable in and around Gaydon, however, as I stayed further afield, it was rare that I would experience the town or cities around there. The general impression, however, is a comparison to any other student area for those staying in the cities such as Coventry or Birmingham.

Again due to the working hours, I didn't experience the nightlife close to Gaydon

There were a few opportunities within and outside of my department, in addition to work. For example, there is a team that competes in a racing championship that builds and maintains a car. Other teams completed activities such as cycling together and my team had previously done team building type activities outside of work.