Engineering intern Review

My placement was good from the onset. I managed to increase my network in the office, however, my task was quite dull and I found it quite hard to get other interesting work to do around the office. I got the chance to do an end of placement presentation which is always good experience.

I felt very valued at Siemens.

My manager was new to the business and unfortunately this meant that he was not able to set me tasks. When a task was set it meant that it was very unclear. It was hard to overcome this barrier, but it has definitely made me more prepared for the work of work.

I didn’t have enough things to do during placement which made it a bit boring. However, this did give me the chance to reflect on my personal development and look into how to become a chartered engineer. I would not have been able to do this if I was much busier day to day.

I was given a bit of responsibility. There was a group task and because I was the most experienced it meant that I had to take a lead as a project manager. However, in my personal project I do not feel like my responsibility isn’t he project was very large.

Having experience in industry - a business focused company - has given me many skills including: networking, presentation skills, organisation, self awareness. The task that I was given was not directly linked to my degree. I would have preferred a definite engineering focussed project.

The general atmosphere in the office is pretty relaxed. Everyone is really friendly and if you go up to them and ask them to explain something or show you something, they would always say yes. However, I have found that the relaxed vibe means that things take a very long time to happen.

I am on a scholarship scheme with Siemens, so my placement was very well set up. I knew which department I was going to be working in before arriving. On the first day we got an in depth overview of how the company is split up into its divisions, got a health and safety tour, and a talk from hr where we could ask questions, which was really helpful.

I did not receive any training during my placement. However, it is mandatory to do an end of placement presentation, meaning that you need to put a bit of time into prepping that as it’s quite an important part. There is also a meeting at the end of placement reviewing progress and how well you’ve worked.

Because I’m on a scholarship programme (e3) I am guaranteed a graduate scheme with them.

Yes, people are really friendly! There are frequent pub trips and socials. However, like any workplace it can sometimes become rather clique-like. But I feel that would be get same anywhere. I personally didn’t go to the socials because I wasn’t there very long and I quite like to keep work and social life separate. But if you want to make many friends at work then that would be fine too.

Manchester is mixed. A day rider on the bus is £4.80, and a day rider on the tram is a similar price. That’s more than one would expect. However I was only paying £80 a week for rent with all bills included, which is amazing. Eating out and nights out is like any other city - you pay for what you get quality wise.

Manchester is a huge place so it means that there’s something for everyone. There’s cheesy clubs, chilled bars, rooftop bars, spoons, pubs. There’s the gay village which is really fun too. There’s also Manchester warehouse project once a year for big events which are more expensive. There’s also a lot of gigs on all year round in Manchester as well!

Manchester is great! For me, there’s opportunities for yoga, dance, life drawing, pottery painting, galleries etc. There are trains into the Peak District if you’re a fan of the outdoors. If you want to meet new people I don’t think it would be hard to! Only thing is these activities often cost, but Siemens pay well sit hat shouldn’t be too much of an issue.