Undergraduate Research & Development Engineer Review

I enjoyed my working environment - I made many friends and built good relationships with my colleagues. My daily activities were varied, which was good as it meant I was not stuck at my desk all day. I learnt a lot about the company and the industry, as well as what it is like to work in R&D.

My colleagues respected and treated me like a permanent team member, and were always friendly and happy to help.

I had monthly meetings with my manager, which were useful. Majority of the time I was left to work on my own by my manager, which was nice as it made me feel more independent. But I could have been asked for feedback and given constructive feedback on my work more frequently. When I reported back to my manager, it would be quite informal via email or a quick discussion. If I was tasked to present my work more formally (e.g. through presentations) I think it would have been more beneficial.

I was a bit unlucky as the team I joined had troubles getting their project going. I was rarely busy and most of the time I was given small tasks to do to keep me occupied. I felt like I didn't show my full potential or properly challenged in my role.

I was given some responsibilities relating to my team's project, and I worked independently on tasks. But it would have been nice to be given open-ended challenges to try/ problems to solve or small independent projects to balance within my role. I think this would have tested and developed my abilities better.

I was exposed to many different project management tools which will be very useful for my studies and work. I received training for various different pieces of laboratory equipment, and I developed good laboratory practices. I also strengthened my Microsoft Excel skills.

There was a good atmosphere in my office, people were able to talk openly and were willing to help each other (across teams).

I think the induction/welcoming was well done - I had an induction checklist to go through and there was a welcome committee who helped me settle in. However, there was no attempts made at connecting the placement students together. I really think it would have been beneficial if there was at least a small networking event at the start of the placement so students from other departments are made aware of each other and given the opportunity to become friends. I wasn't even aware that placement students from my university were also working there! This would have boosted the social aspect of my placement a lot.

I was trained well for my role but I felt like I was not fully invested in. Maybe because of the budget, but I was not sent on any training courses with my colleagues or given the opportunity to see other parts of the company. For example, I did not get to go to any of the manufacturing sites in the UK. I was told 'I will get a chance at some point' but there was no eagerness to give me more company exposure.

It is hard to say as I was given one perspective as to what it is like to work in the company. But the graduate opportunities talk that I had at the end of my placement was insightful and made me aware of the sort of career paths I could follow.

There was a good social scene - many events organised outside of work (e.g. Go Karting) and colleagues would sometimes meet up for drinks on the weekend. As a placement student I felt comfortable socializing with my colleagues. However, as mentioned before, it would have been nice if the placement students were more connected, as I did not see them or socialize with them at all.

It is quite an expensive to live in, but it is easy to socialize on a budget. The is a huge variety and choice of activities and things to do in the area.

Many pubs and clubs to choose from, and as there is a university nearby there are many student nights.

There were plenty of opportunities from charity events, competitions to sports.