Summer Intern, Combat Systems, Naval Ships Review

I enjoyed this internship greatly, I worked on 3 different projects in a variety of roles which was very useful in helping me find out what my strengths and preferences were. I was well supported throughout and given a good degree of responsibility without ever feeling too out of my depth for long. As expected there was quite a learning curve.

My colleagues, both in my team and elsewhere on site really made this internship for me. Without exception they have all been very kind, helpful and up for a laugh. I was included in their social events as well which really helped me feel apart of the office after only a very short time.

Due to unforeseeable circumstances I was the only one working on my first project for a while which wasn't great. However I was able to ask around and get the help that I needed before I was moved to another project. In this one, the support and guidance was excellent throughout.

As I was working on a couple of projects I always had work to do, flexitime allowed me to put in the hours when required and still work a sensible number each week. During the day it was always possible to find a few minutes to take a break. During quiet times I was always able to find someone who was happy for me to shadow them for a short while. The 1st couple of weeks were of course quite quiet as I was waiting for permissions to go through the system.

Depended on the project, in my 3rd project, an app development, I was team lead so had total responsibility, in my 2nd project I was working to a tight deadline with a team on an already in service piece of equipment so had a bit less responsibility.

I learnt a lot of useful skills in a lot of different areas (programming, project management, testing, design certification...), while I can't say that it's possible to master them in 12 weeks it has allowed me to see which are important ones I should seek to develop in the future.

The general atmosphere in the office was excellent. All members of staff got along and there was no evidence of infighting that I have witnessed in other offices. The office was generally professional but relaxed. Everyone was hardworking but would, if they were able, spend a few minutes to help or even just talk about their career.

The initial arrangements were a bit last minute but everything was processed and set up in time. Some help finding a place to live would have been a bonus but I can't hold it against the company. As previously mentioned the first project could have been better but again it was the result of a company product trial that was only run after my arrival.

While there was little in terms of official training, my colleagues were happy to spend some time helping me out and offering feedback.

If a place with the company were to be offered, I would seriously consider taking it there and then. From my experience BAE is an excellent company to work for, the graduate development framework looks to be very interesting and provides a good variety of opportunities.

Badminton on Tuesdays, drinks and food on a Friday night with regular invites to other events happening in the local area. I was the only intern on site so the activities were more aimed at those slightly older than myself but I still enjoyed them greatly.

For the first 9 weeks I lived in Bournemouth in student accommodation (rent £130/wk). As someone used to Glasgow this was a little more expensive than I would have liked but the better weather did partially make up for it. The cost of socialising was again a little more than Glasgow but still better than London. For my final 3 weeks I moved into Dorchester where I was working. Prices were similar.

Bournemouth, being a resort town and during peak holiday season had a great amount of nightlife. Dorchester has several friendly pubs so while it was a little more subdued it still provided opportunities for drinking and socialising.

This was my first time living on the south coast so every weekend I tried to visit something in the local area, beaches, cycling in Purbeck, various museums, festivals and county shows, etc. The local transport network was pretty good, Bristol and London were both easy to get to for a day trip.