GCN Undergradute Review

Whilst the task was very interesting (testing the capability of AI to design future control systems), the placement felt unorganised. The capability test was based on the expertise of one group, completely separate from the AI group. My manager wasn't a member of either of these groups which made communication difficult and consequently I had to keep reworking my set up as different technical experts added there opinion.

Everyone in the department is very welcoming and willing to lend their time to teach and guide your work. They are also fairly socially active as during my 10 weeks here I have joined the 5-a-side football team as well as the pub quiz team. The technical coordinators (people responsible for undergraduates) actively ensure you are enjoying your work and will look to make changes if you aren't enjoying your placement.

The level of guidance and support was fantastic on this placement. I was given an overarching task at the start of my placement and the given time to read around the subject and form my own plan. Everyone who was in a positon to help me happily gave their time to teach me everything I needed. My direct manager would also have a meeting with my everyday to check my progress and offer advice on next steps and what conclusions to draw from my work.

I was given more work than I had time but I wasn't expected to finish it all. This ensured I always had something to do and wasn't under to much pressure to finish everything. However, the nature of the placement (AI training) meant that, at times, I wasn't able to progress until my AI had finished training. During which time I was expected to read around the subject and make presentation slides about what I've been doing.

I was in charge of the task given to me. It was up to me to formulate a plan, carry out the plan and finally form conclusions from my studies. However, sometimes my manager could insist I do something his way despite me not necessarily agreeing. These moments were few and far between though and his suggestion, with hind sight, was the correct way forward.

I don't have any modules on AI as part of my course so the direct skills I've acquired won't impact my university education directly. However, I may find AI useful as part of my coursework in the future. Alongside the direct skills, I've also been allowed to practice my presentation skills, communication skills and programming skills. All of which will be highly beneficial for my degree.

The office has a really friendly atmosphere although it can become quite quiet at times. There is a good community spirit and people celebrate milestones in each others lives (e.g. birthdays). The office perks up around big events such as the balloon festival or the cricket world cup final which had the whole office taking and giddy.

The scheme is very well organised. However, my placement could have been more thought through. I was using AI to solve a problem a different team were experiencing. This meant I had to communicate with many different people to solve any problem as it wasn't always clear whether the AI was wrong or the problem set up was wrong. My manager wasn't a member of either of these teams which added to the confusion. I spent the first few weeks trying to make a model which represented the problem before I could even think about AI (which is what I was employed to do). I feel this could have been done before I arrived and would have lead to a more comprehensive study of AI.

All training was 'on the job' so whilst I was never sent away on a training course. The company did invest money in my training indirectly though peoples time. They also gave me opportunities to present my work which definitely help my development. Again this cost the company employees time.

This is my second placement with the company and I intent to apply for a graduate position. I find the work both challenging and interesting. Combine this with the friendly atmosphere and helpful nature of my co workers, I feel this company would be ideal to work for and develop myself after I graduate from university.

Every fellow summer inter was keen to explore the area and visit many pubs. You are introduced to all the other interns through work and most choose to live with each other. This is possible due to the networking infrastructure set up by the company before you start your placement.

Living costs in Bristol are typical of most cities outside London. I personally lived a few miles outside of Bristol with a family friend for reduced rent. Pints cost around £4 so typical city prices and bus travel is a few pounds for a day ticket. Social activates inside Bristol are reasonably priced. E.g. crazy golf costs around £7.

I personally haven't gone on a night out in Bristol. However, I have heard good things and some interesting stories from my colleagues about the nightlife in Bristol.

There is always something going on in Bristol. As an internship group we explored many local pubs and entered a 5-a-side team. I also joined my departments pub quiz team. Alongside these there Is plenty to do around Bristol. I have been able to explore the Brecon Beacons whilst I've been here but there is also Exmoor to the south for any hikers out there.