Mechanical Engineering Summer Student Review

I thoroughly enjoyed my time spent with Atkins and was exposed live projects and was given a fair amount of responsibility for being a summer student. I was given the opportunity to learn new software that is not available through my university and exposed to digital engineering methods, such as 3D laser scanning.

My colleagues treated me with respect and done their best to make me feel welcome and helped when I asked for it, nothing seemed like a problem. Constructive feedback was given from my line manager and good work was recognised positively. As weeks went on more responsibility was given as trust in me was gained.

Line managers/colleagues were always immediately available unless in meetings. When asked for help colleagues were always genuine and done their very best to guide and teach me how to do things correctly which was a great. A lot was learned from small conversations and tips and tricks in certain softwares were picked up by learning from their pad experiences.

Some days particularly when a task that had been set had come to an end, more work had not been given immediately. However I used this time to further research the company and other divisions within Atkins which proved insightful. When there was work to do I always felt occupied and the work that was given was challenging and interesting.

As I progressed through the 12 weeks I found myself being given more and more responsibility as I proved my capability. Earlier weeks consisted of software tutorials which gradually led up to contributing to substantiating a senior engineer’s work using this software which was a very rewarding and positive experience.

All the software I used during my internship at Atkins is not available at my university which has provided me with experience going back to university and for when I leave university. Being trained in digital engineering methods by Atkins opens up the possibility of implementing these skills during my final year project.

There was always a positive atmosphere in the office and everyone in my particular department were very welcoming. Monthly staff meetings were held which were insightful and it was clear that the team in Whitehaven were highly capabale. However I never had the opportunity to visit other departments during my time there.

It was clear that my internship had been organised well and work was made available for me to do. This was the same for the other intern whose type of work matched their skill set. Other than a few technical difficulties with my laptop/works account when I first joined everything was well organised and feedback was given upon exit.

Atkins allowed me to use their wealth of software tutorial resources and let me complete these at my own pace on company time. This was very benifical for myself as I learned a lot during these tutorials instead of possibly carrying out mundane admin tasks. Colleagues also dedicated a lot of time over the 12 weeks in guiding me when they could be earning fee which I appreciated greatly.

The work carried out at Whitehaven is very exciting and of huge responsibility working on Sellafield. The type of work carried out matches my skill set and my preference of mechanical work and with the introduction to the world of digital engineering and 3D laser scanning it has gained my interest greatly.

There was a couple of staff nights organised during my 12 week placement but I could not attend due to traveling home but it was evident there was a good social scene amongst colleagues. The other interns were friendly who I am still in touch with today and hope to see again soon.

I stayed in a nearby conference hotel 4 nights a week which was moderately priced for low quality but renting privately was fairly cheap due to being northern England. Prices at local shops/bars were normal. I travelled home at the end of each week which added up and became expensive, so I reccomend renting in the area.

I never went out during my placement but driving through the town centre there was a couple of bars and food places to go, even a whetherspoons. The area was generally quite quiet and most things like cinemas/supermarkets only easily accessible if you had a car which I luckily did.

Yes there was many opportunities to join fitness programmes and charity projects which were advertised through a group email to all office staff. Colleagues also offered to show me the local area and nearby hills/scenery. I would imagine there would be even more opportunities for other activities if I was there longer with Atkins.