Physical Sciences and Engineering Internship Review

I designed and simulated a potential new hardware system for the company. In the first two weeks I learned how to use the software I would be using and started developing an understanding of the research area. After this, my days involved researching potential areas of investigation into the systems properties, creating and editing CAD models of the system, running electromagnetic field simulations of the model and then analyzing the results obtained. I shared my results most days with my manager, and we discussed potential new lines of research etc. At the end of the internship I wrote a report and gave a presentation of my findings to others in the company interested in exploring this hardware further.

The role broadened and rooted my understanding of Electromagnetism, branching off from the course I had studied the year before at university, and teaching me about the basics of RF engineering. It introduced me to computer simulation software and the intricacies of multi-physics simulations, and taught me valuable CAD skills. In addition, it helped me to develop skills in summarizing and analyzing data (including writing python scripts to do so), technical writing, effective communication of ideas/presenting. I also had the chance to develop networking skills.

I was given complete responsibility for the research project I was on, including being able to explore areas that interested me the most or I thought would be most useful for the development of the hardware system. At the same time I was able to investigate related research/physics/electronics as part of the day. The project was open ended, which helped to ensure that the project was as research focused as possible, and was without any deadlines.

There was lots of support from HR about the internship, with two pre-internship calls, including one with our would-be managers, a two-day virtual introduction, lots of information and communication throughout and check-ins towards the end of the internship about the experience. I had a 'buddy' who was on the graduate scheme and they helped me a lot to begin with and who I was in touch with most days. I caught up with my manager most days, who gave guidance with the research I was doing. Others from the company also kept in touch throughout the internship.

Given the still present. but lifting, Covid-related restrictions, the predominant mode of work was still from home, however I was lucky enough to be in the office everyday. Due to this social events/activities were minimal, however there were virtual events every few weeks, catch ups including one for the Undergrads/Grads in London, a week with talks/awards, and other events. A large percentage of the group I worked with were graduates, and we chatted over lunch every day. All in the company were very approachable, and feedback of any sorts was actively encouraged. We even got a new-starter goody-bag, and an unlimited supply of KitKats!

The internship was mostly really enjoyable, as I learned a lot and got a very valuable insight into an field of work previously unknown to me. It also opened my eyes to potential career paths, and I feel much more confident about applying for similar internships/jobs in the future. The company were extremely supportive in all aspects of the internship. I don't think I could have coped with any longer than 12 weeks, mostly due to the research style of working required with my project, sitting at the same desk each day without much structure or imposed deadlines. Occasionally I found myself with little to do, however that is more likely a result of needing to run multiple-hour simulations during the day.

Yes

My tip for those applying would be to be confident in yourself both during the interview process and once you've started, as I've got the most out of it when I have. I found the interview process a little unnerving, given it was the new asynchronous-assessment style, and I found it really useful to talk to a careers adviser at university about it beforehand. When on the internship I also found getting to know those on the Graduate Scheme really useful, both in giving advice for the internship, advice for university and beyond, and getting a feel for what's its like working at the company full-time and joining with limited prior experience in the workplace.