Product Development Engineer Review

Really enjoyed the work I did at Jaguar Land Rover. Was made to feel very welcome from the start and got straight into it. Work was rewarding and challenging. The only qualm i'd have was finding something to do between jobs or not having much work on. Work picked up more towards the end which was good but to start with it was quiet. Most of the other undergrads said they also struggled for work.

My team were brilliant. By boss was very busy but was always in a positive mood and made time to talk to me about stuff, often not even to do with work which was good. My mentor was incredible and very patient, never getting stressed or annoyed, I felt like I could have a laugh with all the team and also ask them all for help when I was stuck.

Guidance was great by the whole team. I've learned a lot throughout my placement thanks to the people I have worked with. Everyone made time for you as I did with them.

Probably the only negative towards my placement was finding sometimes that I didn't have much work on which made me feel guilty. I can understand it's difficult because you aren't a permanent member of staff but I can say I was never overly busy or stressed. However, towards the end of the placement the work picked up and it was fun!

I was given lots of responsibility during the placement but the guidance to see it through also, I felt this was a good balance and it felt rewarding that something that I created and built would be used permanently in the durability and reliability process. It also makes me feel confident in moving into a more advanced roll as I will have had experience with responsibility.

I believe my skills have developed greatly since starting my placement. Not just theory skills but people and practice skills. I feel more confident going into my final year of university knowing what I know. I also think I am going to do my final year project on a topic I learnt during my placement so as far as that goes it has been very helpful.

The atmosphere was okay, there wasn't many people my age so nobody to really kick about with but maybe that was a good thing because I didn't get distracted. Never heard any gossiping or cross words. Feel like everyone was integral with each other. It's a work way of life I can learn a lot from

The placement was set up very well. When I first started I had 2 induction days which was fun as I got to meet other undergraduates and carry out activities with them. At these induction days we met our managers so we got a feel for what we would be doing before our first proper day.

Training was very comprehensive and very good. I could book onto as many training days as I wanted as long as it was authorised by my manager. Feel like JLR are one of the best for training. Also got chance to look around the other plants which was very interesting and fun.

When you leave your manager gets a review to complete. On this review it asks how strongly would you recommend this person for future employment. If you are recommended then you are likely to be invited back for a graduate role. So regarding this and how hard I have worked I feel i've got good future prospects but nothing is certain!

The social scene was decent. Often on a weekend myself and fellow undergraduates would head out on the town. Despite there not being many undergraduates in my department it was easy to meet them through the car share scheme and the induction days at the start of the placement. I never felt like I didn't have anyone to chat to.

Cost of living in Leamington spa which was the nearest town was very expensive, However you could live in Coventry which wasn't that bad. However, after paying £500 rent plus food I still never felt as if I was without money so it wasn't too bad at all. It wasn't as expensive as london.

The nightlife in Leamington is decent, there is plenty of bars and a couple of clubs

Not too many opportunities apart from nights out, the graduate network have plenty on but not the undergraduate netowrk.