Engineering Support Manager Review

Excellent internship. Given meaningful work from the beginning and encouraged to stretch yourself. Large cohort of other interns, and shared accommodation, which created a good social atmosphere and network. Was able to see lots of different sites across the country (6 in just 10 weeks). Good events and development sessions that were actually useful and enjoyable.

Was given meaningful work and responsibilities by colleagues, which directly fed into and supported their work. Received good and constructive feedback. Rewarding to add value to the team and receive recognition for this, and beneficial to hear how you can improve. Team were always happy to talk, and I can recommend asking colleagues about their previous experiences. Hearing stories is one of the best ways to learn.

Good level of support. Sufficient to set you on the right path and answer any questions you have, but allowed you to have independence in your work and set your own direction at the same time. Always happy to put you into contact with new people so you can learn more about the business. Can recommend talking to as many people as you can.

Had work laid out for me on day one. Had four good pieces of work to flick between with one main project. This was good for learning time management skills, having to prioritise different pieces of work to meet the various deadlines. Also got to travel to different sites, so there was always something to be getting on with. They were some days where none of my team were in, so this could be more challenging with no one to talk to.

Good level of responsibility. Was given meaningful work, and was left to get on with it how I thought best with guidance and support when requested. Feel that I have been able to add value which is a rewarding feeling. Also given a good range of work so could develop a wider set of skills.

Beginning your professional development is the biggest learning curve from the internship. This includes professional conduct and communication, time management, stakeholder management, and networking. Working in a large organisation you also realise how important it is to talk to people and how willing people are to take the time to talk to you. Setting and meeting key objectives and deliverables is also a key element of the professional world, which makes you more accountable for your work and clearly sets out what you need to achieve. These skills will improve my university study as it has improved my time management and work flow, I will also feel more comfortable holding people accountable during group work and setting objectives. Beyond university, a summer placement is an invaluable thing to have on your CV and will help no end in securing a job. It gives you excellent work experience, begins your professional development, and shows good initiative.

Dependent on your stream and team. But my personal experience was a bit muted. Most people on my floor were older and there was never much conversation or interaction. Personally I would like to work in a higher energy environment, with younger people, and more of a work hard play hard attitude. Someone should have played a joke on me at least once as the new intern. Did get to go to the horse races with another team after work which was a good laugh though.

Very well organised, lots of information and onboarding before arriving. Had contact with my line manager so could ask any questions I had. Was concerning when the coach picking us up on the first day was an hour late but since then everything has been fine. Good number of development sessions organised. Could have made our security passes before we arrived. Line manager had already organised plenty of introductory meetings before my arrival.

Development day called the 'Everest Challenge', excel skills, presentation skills, end of placement presentation. Didn't attend any training courses like some of the other engineers but it wasn't necessary for my role. Had to take part in the Charity Challenge raising money for CarersUK which was also a good element of the internship.

Company is going through a tough time but the grad scheme is wireframed...grads are cheap. They are also looking to achieve a very high conversion rate of their summer placement students onto the grad scheme so your chances are very good. Doors are opening to new opportunities as the company is transforming itself, so all it is tough times it is actually a good time to join as a grad.

Yes. Around 40 of us staying at a local university. Meant there was always a good group of people to do stuff with. Got to talk to people across all streams so hear about more of the work people are doing. Everyone was really nice with no toxic personalities, some just more boring than others.

Provided accommodation means you save loads. The student bar/pub at the university had 2 for 1 drinks on Tuesday and Thursday. £2 pints close to London is almost unheard of. National travel was also expensed, as well as your evening meal whilst you're away. Got to go to the horse races after work one day too.

Student club/pub was good and cheap. Went to the local nightclub on the first weekend...but there's something you can't trust about a carpeted dancefloor. Some streams had socials in London, but it's a bit too far from Windsor to make a night worthwhile. Most people also went home on the weekends.

Charity challenge to raise money for CareersUK, put into teams of eight and you have to come up with your own idea and execute it. Also ran an innovation challenge which some of the interns took part in, which had a dragons den type final presentation at the London office. Some people also played 5 a-side footy and went for runs I believe.