Undergraduate Trainee Review

I thoroughly enjoyed the majority of my placement, there were days when I was a little bored but that is to be expected and for the most part I enjoyed my work. The project I was given, I don't believe, was really within the scope of my degree (This was not the case for most of the interns), however I was determined to make the most of the opportunity to extend my skills. There is also a large emphasis by HR that if you are not enjoying you placement then they, along with your manager, will help you either change department or get a new project as they are very keen that you enjoy and make the most of your time there. I was fortunate enough to have lots of opportunities to go and visit other areas of the company and everyone I spoke to was really enthusiastic about their work, these experiences are what I most enjoyed. There is sense at JLR that you are a real asset to their company, even as an intern which I think makes the experience more enjoyable.

As previously mentioned there is a real sense, right from the start, that you are an asset to JLR. I guess, from JLR's point of view, they are investing a lot of money in their interns and they want to make sure they get the most out of you, and the way to do that is to put you in a position that you enjoy and where genuine work is needed, not just small useless tasks simply set for something to occupy the intern. From the very start it was emphasis by my team and manager that the project I was set would be really useful for their work now and in the future and therefore I felt very valued by my team. I was treated as a member of the team by all my colleagues, I never felt as if people just saw me as the intern.

I had meetings every fortnight with my manager to discuss my progress and get advice and support. My team were always happy to make time for me if I need to discuss anything and other colleagues from other teams also were happy to make time for me. Apart from where people were already busy I was never denied support from anyone. On top of this the undergraduate team are always there to help if you are really struggling.

In terms of work, there was always plenty to be doing, I was always busy with my project. However had I found that I didn't have much to do there is a graduate forum (that is also for undergrads) where you can get involved in other projects that they run outside of your team. What I did find was that I spent most of my day at my desk, there wasn't many meetings or other tasks that would have split my days up a little.

I was given soul responsibility of my project. I worked alongside another team member however the project was entirely mine and it was up to me to make sure I delivered the outcomes on time and gather the information I needed. Obviously as mentioned I had plenty of support in this and wasn't left floundering when I wasn't sure who to speak to or how to progress but it just meant that I did have to take responsibility for getting that advice.

As I mentioned, I don't feel as if the project I was given really reflected the work I do during my degree however I learnt a lot of important skills in project management and managing suppliers (which in essence is the majority of what JLR do). A lot of what I learnt will certainly benefit me in managing future group projects and my final year project.

Friendly atmosphere overall, people always willing to help and try and make time for you. One issue is that whilst I was there my department was nearing deadlines for an important product release meaning people were stressed, fed up and often showed a lack of faith in their colleagues or the department processes. This perhaps wasn't the best environment for an undergrad who is trying decide if they would like a future with the company.

It was very organised. I was notified immediately of my success at each step of the application process, including the assessment centre where I receive a call the following day to offer me a place. We were told in advance where we would be based and who our managers were, with some people even able to contact with their managers before their first day. ID badges, parking permits, laptops etc were all organised and ready for our first day. A 'share-fair' where all undergrad present the work they have done over their placement in the main reception at the end of the placement was also organised well in advance. The only area that I felt lacked some preparation was undergrad experiences (i.e. tours of other areas of the company and talks from current graduates) these only began over half way through the placement and that only happen because a few undergrads got together and decided to make it happen.

Personally, due to my short time at JLR (3 months), I did not take advantage of the training and development that they offer (although others did in that time). However they offer funding for a lot of different training course and will also help fund any personal development courses you may want to pursue (anything from cooking to getting you HGV licence). Had I been there longer I certainly would have taken advantage of this.

The undergrad scheme enables you (based on your performance) to be fast tracked to the grad scheme once you have graduated, i.e. no more psychometric testing or assessments centres. This position is also offered to you at the end of your last summer placement. Having a job secured going into the final year of university would be a huge weight lifted and therefore makes future employment very appealing. On top of this JLR is one of the highest paying engineering grad schemes. JLR have also been named the top UK employer. So all of this together makes the thought of returning very attractive.

I didn't personally get involved in any social events just due to living so far away. However, most of the undergrads all lived together in student halls (that are rented over the summer) not to far from site, so overall the social life amongst the undergrads is similar to that at university (except probably limited to weekends!). There was also a facebook page set up where everyone could chat etc.

I cannot comment on the living costs as I did not live nearby. However I believe the student accommodation made available for interns was reasonably priced.

The student halls where most the undergrads stay I imagine has a pretty active nightlight surrounding it, however as I did not live there I cannot say.