Defence Intern Review

I enjoyed the subject area I was tasked with, however, I felt that the pace of work was very slow (in the Bristol Defence function of the company) and there were not enough intermediate deliverables to keep me motivated. Although I was given direction when I requested it, I felt that unprompted technical input was lacking - not useful for an engineering placement.

A lot of effort is made to ensure that interns have a good time and feel worthwhile, however, I feel that the project I was working on was not particularly valued by my peers. I expect that there are a lot of traditional thinkers at Rolls-Royce who are reluctant to absorb and comprehend new ideas and process.

Support and guidance was readily available when prompted/asked for, however without prompt, technical review was not forthcoming and no efforts were made to push me and or make my workflow more efficient. My immediate manager was always available to answer questions and all queries regarding time off, pay and illness were answered immediately in a calm and collected fashion.

I was rarely busy. I was always on track and often asked for more work (this did not materialise). I had to go out of my way to find more work. This said, I recognise that other (permanent) members of my team were perhaps overworked i.e. there was a poor balance of workload throughout the department.

I was given complete/nearly complete autonomy with my selected project which was really good. Conversely, the project I was working on was unimportant and not immediately applicable to any on-going projects within or outside of the company. In this respect, although I was entirely responsible for what I created and was able to direct my work how I liked, my work had little to no effect on a wider community and therefore errors were unimportant i.e. no accountability.

The skills I have developed will be directly applicable to my Master Thesis studies and I am now in a very good position going into my Master's year at University. I learn soft/technical writing skills and I gained familiarity with MATLAB Simulink environments, both of which I expect to use frequently in my final year. I have also learned to motivate myself without input.

Slow but friendly. Everyone appeared to know what they were doing and not many people were in a rush. Things got done in a controlled manner and hours were not logged formally (interns). Sleepy and calm atmosphere at all times with occasional chit-chat. Run of the mill stuff without panic or excessive noise.

Everything ran smoothly up until the last fortnight which involved tying up loose ends and filling out development forms. Again, anything unusual had to be arranged by myself (not unexpected), but there was always ample time to sort this out and this did not prove a problem. Intern meets were arranged regularly for open discussion.

I think the company invested well in my personal development considering I was only at the firm for 6 months. There was often opportunity for interns to meet with very senior figures in the company to discuss career plans and next steps. Internal training was readily available and an online learning platform was used for mandatory training.

Very appealing. I expect that a large majority of interns will receive offer for future employment irrespective of financial difficulties. The company believes in recruiting graduates and young people to future proof the knowledge base. I have complete 'next stage' forms such that I am recognised as an applicant for a graduate job.

Yes, however I did not attend any of these social events. Regrettably I lived further away than other interns and was otherwise occupied. Sporting events occurred almost every evening and additional social events were arranged between interns and between departments/work teams (all ages). The apprentice association achieved discounts at events e.g. escape[e rooms.

Cost of living in Bristol is considered average. I commuted from Bath which was slightly more expensive due to petrol used getting into work. Bath is also more expensive to rent but a nicer city in general. Cost of food and restaurants is very average, with opportunity to eat cheaply, as well as some very nice restaurants which are more expensive. Nothing out of the ordinary.

Nightlife is Bristol is very good with a huge variety of bars and restaurants and clubs. Bath, which is nearby also has amazing bars, restaurants and some small clubs. Bus services between work and the centre of Bristol and Bath accommodate easy nights out. Bristol, in general, has great connections to the wider world e.g. London, the North and the SW via train and car.

There is lots to do in Bristol and it is easy to get involved and meet new people outside of work. Flexi-time at work enabled early clock-out so that you can avoid the traffic and explore wider Bristol e.g. the Lido, Clifton and Weston-Supermare. I often met up with people outside of Rolls-Royce in Bristol.