Hardware Engineering intern Review

I enjoyed everyday of the internship, for me this was an eye opener into what Hardware Engineering was. I was able to develop my skills as an engineer, leader and person. Everyday I was working on something that I was enjoying. The only "annoyance" for me was COVID. I was due to finish a project that I had started when I joined Eaton and unfortunately I wasn't able to finish it. The Intern training days were good, I got to know all of the interns at other sites and created myself a network.

From the first day the staff at Cwmbran were friendly and made me feel part of the team. I got on with everyone I worked with and they were always willing to help and explain technical parts to me where I struggled. They didn't have to do this, they took time out of their schedule to do this for me which makes me feel valued. I was also given a project to manage so, not only my colleagues, but management as well must have valued my work.

I had set up regular meetings with my managers to ask how I am performing and if there was anything I should work on. My managers were always honest and provided me with some good feedback which lead to me managing my projects more efficiently. Through these meetings I was also given more work to complete as I felt comfortable in talking to my managers and telling them when I was running low on work. The managers were approachable and were always supportive over the whole internship and I can't thank them enough for the support they offered me.

This would vary on a day to day basis at the start of my internship as I would finish some work and struggle to find stuff to do. After speaking to my managers there wasn't a day where I had nothing to do which is what I wanted from this internship. I always had something to do whether it was engineering related or something to do with the onsite teams, such as Charity and Wellness or Inclusion and Diversity.

At the start of the placement I was given a Project left by the intern before me to complete. This was the first part of responsibility I was given. I made decisions on what components to use and also designed the PCB for the project. I helped to plan and organise many Chairty and Inclusion and Diversity events throughout the placement. I was given a project management role halfway through my placement which I ran well. It was nice to be given these responsibilities as it made me feel the managers could trust me.

I have already seen the difference this placement has had on me. My university work is up to another standard, I find the practical work a lot easier thanks to the exposure I had at Eaton. My assignment writing is more professional, and I am finishing them way before the deadline giving me more time for social and personal interests. Eaton has also given me a new way of thinking and understanding technical knowledge which is helping me absorb the information I'm being taught.

The office was always positive. I was based in the R&D office which was always a positive environment. Everyone was helpful and approachable which helped me when I was struggling and needed help. What helped the atmosphere was the fact that people wanted to get to know each other. As an office we would sometimes all get lunch together or even meet up outside of work to socialise. The R&D team had a real "family" environment to it.