Intern Review

I really enjoyed my placement at Mentor, A Siemens Business. It was possible to get involved in a wide variety of different tasks and be given responsibility to deliver projects working alongside co-workers. It was satisfying to know the work I completed will have a lasting effect on the company.

I felt very valued by my colleagues who were always accommodating and welcomed any questions I had. Throughout the placement I was treated as if I was a full employee within the business rather than 'just' an intern, with my opinion on a variety of topics always treated with respect.

All the staff I've interacted with (including my supervisor, management and other colleagues) have been very helpful in terms of providing guidance and support throughout the entire 1 year placement. Bi-monthly one on one meetings were set up to discuss any problems I encountered. Whilst if any issues were encountered in my day to day work, I was encouraged to ask questions.

On a daily basis there is a wide variety of tasks to complete. There was always a steady flow of work assigned to me throughout the placement and sometimes a tight deadline dependent on the task. I have rarely found myself with nothing to do this year. If necessary work was re-assigned if I was too busy to complete a task.

The responsibility I was given during my time at Mentor, A Siemens Business , increased with my time at the company. At the start whilst learning various skills required for the job minimal responsibility was given to me. However, as I got more knowledgeable I began taking on more responsibilities within my work life.

I believe the skills I have developed whilst at Mentor will assist me not only in my degree but also in future life. I have gained considerable knowledge in flow dynamics and heat transfer. In the future the daily planning and time management skills will prove to be very useful.

Everyone was extremely friendly and welcoming. Working in a relaxed and open work space, next to talented software engineers. If I ever required help we were encouraged to approach subject experts for help or guidance. The predominant focus was working hard, solving problems and delivering a quality product to the customer.

The internship at mentor graphics has been running for several years now with some employees having previously been interns at the company. The process was fairly smooth, it was useful receiving training from the existing interns within the 1 month crossover period. Several training were arranged to further aid in your development.

Mentor, A Siemens Business are very generous when it comes to investing in their employees. I was encouraged on multiple occasions to spend time focused on training. At the beginning of the placement we were given instructions how to use the companies software. Online subscription services are provided to you such as Pluralsight and Safari Books.

Future employment opportunities are available. There are several employees who have previously completed an internship at the company and have come back to work in a full time position. Personally, I would come back to work at the company however probably in a different role with more exposure to different aspects of the business.

There was a god social scene between myself and my fellow placement students. There were 5 interns and we regularly had lunch together outside whatever the weather. After lunch we would go for a walk around the business park. We spent time after work doing activities such as an escape room (we escaped).

The cost of living around the office is relatively cheap with my rent costing approximately £425 a month. The office is in a remote location with little public transport available, therefore a car is most likely required. In Northampton there are several pubs and clubs to visit should you desire.

The nightlife around the office was pretty non existent due to its remote location however in Northampton there are a few places to go out with friends or family. Milton Keynes is also relatively close which contains lots of places to visit. Around the office there are a few pubs which you could visit for lunch.

Outside of work there were some activities could get involved in. As long as you live in a major city (for example Northampton or Milton Keynes) there are lots of things to do. It really depends on the people you are with at your placement if you plan on doing group activities. There is a badminton group if you enjoy that.