Summer Placement student Review

I thoroughly enjoyed my time at DSTL. At the start of the placement, it took me a while to get settled in, as there were a few problems with my security clearance and IT. Once they were resolved, I was given numerous roles and responsibilities that were challenging but achievable.

All the people I got introduced to during my time at DSTL, were very friendly and welcoming. I was able to ask questions and speak to people if I felt uneasy or unsure with tasks with good confidence. I felt included on the office floor and part of the team.

Throughout the placement, I felt constantly supported by my colleagues, who reassured me that I could say anything if I felt unsure with any task that was required of me. I was confused at the start with one of the tasks given to me but I raised the query and was given help.

At the start, I wasn't very busy as there were problems with my IT which hindered my ability to work but as soon as this was resolved, I was given tasks to complete. Overall I'd say I wasn't kept busy all the time but most of the time at DSTL.

During my time at DSTL, I was given a few responsibilities I had to undertake which were challenging and testing but certainly achievable. I did feel I was given a suitable insight into what it would be like working for DSTL full time and how the office floor would work etc.

During the placement, I learnt numerous IT skills that will help me in my Mechanical Engineering degree. These new tools will help me in my laboratory report assignments, as well as completing essays. I also gained an invaluable insight into what and how an office job works and how the different roles come together.

During the placement, the general atmosphere was very friendly and welcoming. There was some office banter but also firmness of responsibility in knowing what was required of you. I was constantly assured by my work colleagues that I could ask if had any queries or issues with my assigned work.

At the start of the placement, there were problems with my security clearance and IT but these were problems out of the companies hands and were external. Once these were resolved I felt the company and the people I worked for were very organised and professional with a very high work ethic

I felt I was invested in quite a lot during my time at DSTL. My supervisor was very kind in supporting me in my report writing and task assistance. At the start, I did seem a little lost as there wasn't much for me to undertake due to the IT problems.

The organisation is appealing to work with in the future as I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the company. As I am a first year student, I feel as I study further in my degree, I feel I will gain more knowledge that will help me understand further, the roles and responsibilities that are required from DSTL.

During my time, there wasn't much of a social scene amongst my fellow placement colleagues as I was the only summer placement in my division. I feel if there were more students in my area, there would be a better social scene. At the onsite gym, there were classes that I could take which were fun.

The cost of living was quite low considering I lived at home during the placement. Unfortunately, work was a 50 minute drive away and so this made commuting to and from world everyday quite expensive. The onsite gym was fairly priced and the onsite food and drink were reasonable.

During my time I didn't go out in the area as I lived at home and so didn't have the time.

There were a few opportunities for activities outside of work such as sports and social clubs. At the end of the placement, I was lucky enough to go on a work trip to the Hague for an international week conference. This was an amazing opportunity and was very privileged to be a part of it.