Electrical Engineer Review

The Placement was a great opportunity and I have had a great time here and have met some fantastic people. The jobs that I have been given have been challenging at times but I have always had the correct support available to make sure that I was able to grow in the business.

I was welcomed in by the whole team from the first day. Everyone was very helpful whilst I settled in and then when I became more comfortable within the workplace I was able to speak to other members that were outside of my team to ask for work.

There are three levels of support given in the company. A buddy who is a recent graduate who can help you with the small tasks and helps you integrate into the company, a mentor who has quite a few years of experience and is able to give you advice on how to succeed, and a line manager who would set you your tasks. Each person is very helpful and approachable and always had time to explain anything you are unsure of.

The work load was a good amount and I was never left with nothing to do. After the first few weeks and I felt more comfortable, I was more confident in going to ask others for work. However if I had not done this then there would have been times where I had no work.

As a summer intern, there is never much chance to be completely in charge of a project. However I was given ownership of small parts that were being used by other engineers which made me feel valued within the company. I also had the opportunity to design and build a small project that would assist other engineers.

I have been taught many thing that were not available to me at university including the use of several programs that are used in the industry. I have also been given the opportunity to improve my soft skills through giving multiple presentations and by playing an active role in meetings.

Everyone was really friendly in the office and also very supportive. Everyone had high workloads but there was still a good atmosphere. The office was filled with a mix of multi-disciplinary engineers but everyone was very friendly with each other. The managers were all very helpful and helped create a good atmosphere.

There was great organisation throughout the placement, with milestones that I was set to achieve. There were several opportunities to visit other sites around the UK.

From the first day there was a checklist which had several tasks for me to complete and help with my development. There was a mid point review and an end of placement review with my manager to see how I have progressed and who I can also improve as an engineer.

At the end of my placement I had an interview for the graduate scheme when I have finished university. This meant that I am able to bypass the discovery day as I have already had an equivalent of a 12 week interview. All other summer interns also had this opportunity.

Yes, the company puts on three discover and develop days throughout the 3 month placement where you have the opportunity to meet the other summer interns. Also the company encourages you to talk and meet with the current graduates who are all very friendly and welcoming.

The area is not too expensive but if you decide to live closer to Manchester then the cost of living will be higher. It is not as bad as other parts of the country though and if you put enough effort into your search for accommodation then you can get a good deal.

The town I lived in did not have much a nightlife, however it was quite easy to travel to either Manchester or Warrington so I was still able to go out quite a few times.

Yes, some of the graduates do weekly events that you are welcome to participate in.