Mechanical Intern Review

First days was a welcome to the company, opportunities to meeting students and employees, welcome contained site visits and talks which touched on relevant themes within the industry. Some IT issues at the start of the internship caused slight delays to starting work. Days typically consisted of Team Meetings, Working in Tasks Independently or with Team Mates, Adding meetings with wider project team, training opportunities, 30 minutes lunch break, and feedback and reviewing work.

Computer Aided Design software skills where developed due to being used in some drawing tasks. My excel skills where improved through attending optional courses and classes which opened my eyes to they amounts of complex calculations can be done through excel use, this was further improved through using skills in my day to day work to help with calculations which impact mechanical design. There was a wide variety of “lecture/tutorial” style courses as well.

As the 12 weeks progressed I was naturally given move autonomy over tasks, some of the tasks where ones which challenges me, however I never felt alone and there was always someone who could help or point me in the right direction. I left confident knowing the review cycle for work and that the work I produced would be looked over and it it requires changes it would come back to me for edits.

I was given a buddy from my team who was excellent in helping me throughout the full process. My managers also went out his way to help me develop by sharing his experience. I also felt supported by the early Careers team and the mechanical function. I was able to build connections at BAE across functions and projects, by being supported to used my time on the internship exploring other departments and my own

The company culture seems to be one of being productive and focused during working hours. Employees came in early morning and worked hard while at work to leave earlier than most other work places. The half day most employees had on the Friday promoted a culture of having a rest during the weekend, which was well deserved after full on working week. On site did feel very different from the office environment culture.

I did enjoy the internship very much, a very beneficial experience. The experience was in some aspects challenging with adjusting to working life and more formal environment from university. A lot of the Engineering work I done in university did not directly apply to my work in this role and I had to self study and learn new information which is challenging but ultimately very beneficial in my understanding of mechanical and marine engineering.

Yes

Getting through the application process can be challenging but it is worth it to study for the interview and get through the stages. Once you get your foot in the door the early Careers is a great place to start a career within BAE as there is so much support provided. If successful, when in your role I would advise make the most it the network available and learn as much as you can.