DTS Summer Placement Review

I worked on a project for seven weeks, going through the steps of building a machine learning workflow. I was part of a data science research team, however I did not work with the team members. We would only have virtual coffee meetings in the morning. I would report on my progress, ask questions to, and receive new tasks from my line manager. Another intern joined me on the project in the second week, and we would spend most of the day on a Teams call, working together on the project. We would receive some guidance from the line manager, but most learning of the required technologies had to happen independently, using internet resources.

I become familiar with the following technologies: Pyspark Databricks Azure Machine Learning Anaconda Dash and continued practicing my ability with Python. I developed the following skills: Presenting, through an assessed end-of-placement presentation in front of ~40 people. Pair-programming Collaboration trough the Charity Challenge, where we had to organise and run fundraising events with other interns. Brief introduction to Excel. Communication skills through Outlook and Teams. Understanding of the machine learning workflow. Ability to quickly pick up new technologies (research ability).

I was given little responsibility, as I started my own project that did not have any direct consequences. There was no deadline other than the end of the internship. I had the responsibility to turn off compute instances in the cloud after using them (to save money), however I was the only user of these resources so I was only really responsible for myself. I also had a little responsibility to teach the other intern on my project about machine learning, but I took on this responsibility informally after the line manager did not teach her enough.

In the induction week, we had an Excel training course which was of little use to me. Other than a couple workshops on soft skills, I received no other formal training, not even through online courses. I had the ability to ask my line manager questions about the work I had been told to do, however I was expected to do most learning on my own.

Very friendly. The culture is oriented around the core values care, delivery, agility, collaboration and courage. The focus on safety is especially noticeable.

I enjoyed being in the office, and meeting colleagues and other interns the most. The area (data science) I was working in was not of such great interest, as I had said during my application process, so it was a shame that I was allocated there regardless, when another intern was working in an area I was much more interested in (cloud computing). Luckily I got on well with the intern I was working with for around 6hours a day, so that was lucky, however generally there was not enough contact with other people, especially not the chance to actually work with other people rather tan just meet them.

Yes

Make sure to do a lot of research on the company and its core values before you make contact in the application process. Make sure to read in detail about the streams you can apply to so you make the right choice.