Hardware Engineer Review

The environment and people on sight were extremely friendly allowing an easy and enjoyable integration. The work I was given was interesting and I was able to take a lot away from my placement.

Despite feeling unsure to begin with, I was trusted from the get-go and went straight into working on real-time projects with a team of senior engineers. The work I did was valuable and I felt like my contribution to the team was appreciated whether this was said in meetings or one-on-one

There was always someone around to offer guidance or support; whether that be one of the many mangers or just colleagues in general. No question seemed stupid and people were always willing to give you their time

I was never left wanting more work. Each task I was given was completely time depend on how long it took me and I was never pressured into rushing a task. This also meant there was always some form or work or task that I was able to take on.

My responsibilities ranged from specifically real project work and tasks, to running work experience days for student studying in local schools. I was trusted 100% to run theses tasks and complete the work I was given making me feel valued. I was also responsible for managing my own work load and ordering equipment when needed

Over the period of my placement I learnt many new schools from practical ones, to general documentation and how to run and be part of projects. I was allowed to be part of a 5 days training course giving me a brilliant boost before my return to University to continue this subject

The general atmosphere was extremely friendly and open. Although I would not describe a work place as fun I found it enjoyable to spend time in and enjoyed being in the working environment

In general the placement was well organised although there was a bit of confusion prior to the start of the placement due to lack of clarity and general information. Once started, the placement ran relatively smoothly with most things being sorted out either prior or quickly after they were needed.

Other employees were always encouraged to help or give me advice with work, other I was partnered with someone with more experience from whom I was able to learn new skills and develop myself. On top of this, the company paid for a 5 day training course which was extremely beneficial to me

The company is very open and clear about potential graduate prospects for those that do well and they are impressed with. Information is readily available and personally I find it appealing. However, some graduates are a little lack lustre about the scheme itself citing that it sometimes took them away from real work when they had to do assist with work experience

The social scene was exceptionally good due to a brilliant graduate community who are very accepting of placement students, probably because the majority of them were once in our position. Socialising over lunch time and out of hours occurs regularly and everyone is welcome giving a brilliant rapport throughout the graduate years

The living costs in the area had a good range, from quite cheap accommodation with house shares within the company of from an external source. At the other end, 1 person studio apartments were within a close proximity if someone was looking for high end accommodation or wanted to have their own space

The night life was rather good for a smaller city. This ranged from a variety of pubs (including a very popular wetherspoons) to higher end bars and also restaurants. The general nightlife was good with 1 main club in the area although not very much frequented by the graduate community, who preferred the karaoke bar.

Part of the graduate community was a chain email where many sporting and creative activities were advertised from basketball to photography club. They were open to all ranges of ability and allowed access to the graduate and general company community to be a lot easier. Other events were also able to be organised through this