Project Engineer Review

I definitely enjoyed my time at Rolls-Royce (Control Systems). Once I managed to get over the initial hurdle of getting to know everyone and becoming competent enough to use company software. I soon became allocated challenging and important, but achievable tasks. In the first few weeks I felt somewhat out of my depth and incapable of assisting in what I had been assigned (though the situation was most probably complicated by our team moving site at the time). Since then, I have helped on a wide range of issues and, as a result, gained a significant level of experience due to the range of different tasks I worked on. I believe that this will set me up for future success with the rest of my degree programme and with future employment.

As soon as I arrived, I was introduced to the members of my team and given a brief introduction into what each was working on so I was aware of who to direct a question towards (though I gained a more in-depth understanding by experience). I feel completely open in talking to anyone in my team, or the rest of the company, about work related issues. Some areas proved difficult to communicate with as they were too busy to process a number of my requests without escalation. Though as someone who was not high in self-confidence at the start of my placement, I feel that my time at Rolls-Royce has helped to improve me as a person in one of my weakest aspects, which I consider being high praise.

I was provided with support when necessary throughout my placement and the fact that I could get help when I wanted it was reiterated time and time again. At the start of my placement I sometimes refrained from asking for assistance as it would have been so frequent due to my low knowledge of my assigned work that I would almost be being shown how to do it.

I always had work assigned for me to do, though there were some instances, due to technical problems with the testing facility, where I was unable to do the main tasks assigned to me, which meant I had less to occupy my time than I would have liked. Though when the facility was working, and when I moved on from this, the amount of work I had kept me busy for the entire day without becoming overbearing.

Since the very beginning, I have always been working on an important piece of work necessary for the progression of the department. The initial tasks I was assigned did not have a realistic time constraint so I was not under too much pressure, though this changed in the latter months as I began to work on things which became increasingly urgent, often unassisted toward the latter months. This made me feel that I really was making a difference and that my contribution was important.

A majority of the knowledge I gained were work specific and thus will have little transferability to the rests of my time studying. Though there was training I received relating to personal development and work/study attitude which I am certain I will use to my advantage in future years. I have also developed my communication and analytical skills in my time here which will also prove to be highly useful once I return to university.

The atmosphere was definitely relaxed and there was no indication that everyone was being stressed by their workload. Everyone was approachable and willing to have an informal chat in moderation. This did not affect everyone’s dedication towards their work, but helped to improve the working environment and made everybody seem less hostile as a result.

The process of settling in could have been smoother. It took some time after joining to get my company computer and be granted access to all the relevant file locations. Once I overcame this hurdle, I was continuously provided with new interesting and challenging but achievable tasks to do with an introduction into what was required. I could always seek further clarification if needed. Towards the end I was progressing almost unassisted, such was the level of development I was able to make as a result of the placement structure.

There are a number of legal training programmes necessary to complete along with optional learning programmes in the online library, some of these require payment, whereas others do not. Those which are free and can be run independently you are free to do in order to assist your work performance or for your own curiosity (providing it does not delay any deliverables). There is also a companywide work ethic which every new starter (permanent and temporary) undertakes as a daylong training programme to help improve both your work ethic and your daily attitude outside of work.

Future employment is definitely an appealing prospect as the combination of a stress-free atmosphere, friendly and approachable co-workers who do what they can to help resolve any queries you have and that the work time is flexible, there is no strict “ you must be here at X and cannot leave until Y”. All of these combined mean I can perform at my best and be happier in my role, which is something that I would definitely continue doing if given the opportunity.

On my first day at the company, I was shown around some of the more interesting sections of the business including some of the labs, assembly areas and production lines. I was shown this with all the other interns so it was a great opportunity to get to know everyone (though its likely you’ll all be in different departments so not actually working together). From this we collectively organised social events. There are events made by the graduate scheme too, I believe this is more prominent in Derby than Birmingham, but there are definitely a number of varied events so there’ll definitely be something you’ll be interested in. There was also a social sec in my department so around every 4-6 weeks we, as a team, would either go for a meal or a few drinks together after work, there was no expectation to attend, it was all at your own discrepancy, but the option is definitely there if you want it.

This really depends on what you’re used to, personally I thought the cost of living would be higher than what it was. Where I lived was within easy reach of multiple bars and restaurants, and during my time here I’ve paid a visit to most of them, which I feel I would have been more hesitant in doing if the prices were higher than what they were.

In the area where i lived, there were lots of bars and pubs within walking distance so there was minimal organisation/travel expenses required which made everything much easier. There is also a single nightclub if that's something you're interested in, it's not the biggest but I had no compliants, and if you want to take things to another level then the cnetre of Birmingham is just a short distance away where there is more than enough of anything you could want, though expect a lot more people around in the city centre.

There is a (newly developed) activities webpage on the company website containing about half a dozen activities, the choice is not extensive at the moment, but this is increasing and if there is a new activity you wish to start and have a few other people who would participate with you then you are more than welcome to set it up yourself.