Quality and Validation Engineer Review

I really enjoyed it as I was working on really interesting projects that varied from day to day. The work was important and valued, rather than something to keep you busy. Everyone was helpful and supportive, answering any questions that I might have. My input and opinion was respected and welcomed during projects, giving me a sense of responsibility.

I felt very valued by colleagues as my opinion was always taken into consideration during projects and included in decision making. Everyone was supportive and welcomed me in to the team. You are treated the same as all the engineers rather than as a student. A lack of knowledge does not affect how you are treated, you are not expected to know everything.

My immediate supervisor was very supportive and would answer any questions I had, no matter how stupid. They were always happy to give up time to help me with any issues I might be having, even on jobs that they had not given me. Management would give guidance on certain aspects of the job that are universal to everyone. The supervisor was the first point of call.

It varied from day to day depending on what issues had to be dealt with. This was due to the nature of the main role I undertook. The majority of the time I had a good amount of work, keeping busy, but not run off of my feet. The amount of work you were given was a reflection of how well you could cope with it.

I was given a lot of responsibility throughout my placement, being treated as a member of the team rather than a placement student. This meant the work that I was doing was important and benefited the company moving forward. I was held accountable for deadlines and certain tasks. All work was being done for a reason.

The skills I have developed throughout this year will benefit me greatly during my degree and after. Not only does it improve your technical knowledge, you learn a lot more soft skills. I feel like I am more capable of coping with multiple tasks and deadlines. My confidence has improved massively, which will help both at University and during my career.

The atmosphere was very relaxed and friendly, with lots of conversations and tea breaks.

The placement was fairly well organised, the situation depended on what the team was working on during the year. There was a plan in place for my progression and development as the year went on. At the start of the placement, there were meetings to introduce us to the different aspects of the company.

We were given lots of training throughout the year, in terms of required learning and on the job training. If there was a part of the division that you were interested in, there was the option to join that team. I was also given the chance to go offsite and meet with suppliers. There were multiple opportunities for development.

It is made very clear that you could be offered a place on the graduate scheme at the end of the placement. There are then lots of opportunities to progress within the company. A lot of the current engineers started as placements and graduates. I have been offered a place on the graduate scheme.

There was a good social scene with regular nights out with the placement students, as well as spending lunch times together. Within the division there were monthly meals out at different local restaurants. There was also the chance to play table tennis during lunches, getting to know the rest of the team.

It was reasonably priced and not too expensive for both rent and socialising.

The nightlife is good if you like pubs and restaurants. There are a few clubs in the centre of the city, but not much.

There were a lot of opportunities to get involved with the local community and volunteering as a STEM ambassador. This included helping with First Lego League and British Science Week. There were also activities within the department to get involved with such as table tennis tournaments, cake rota and sports week.