Electrical Engineer - Summer Intern Review

Applied physics and mathematics to electromechanical systems, product safety considerations, presentations, meetings, training and learning, coding, circuit design, product purchasing, budgeting, resource gathering, developing and discussing new ideas and projects, and community outreach planning. The role was varied and fullfilling, satisfying, and enjoyable. The workload balance was very good. Day-to-day was mostly online researching and designing, typically including one or two meetings and check-ins from peers and management. This was over the pandemic so physical tasks were not possible as I was not on site, but they would have been if I was, so I was assured.

Too many to list. I quickly realised that one must have broad enough knowledge of general physics and mathematics as they are the most useful tools one can have for this role. Whilst mastery is not expected for a summer intern, it is prudent to be brushed up upon other non-specialised areas; one must also consider mechanical constraints even if they have an electrical background. Circuit safety was a big learning aspect as something as simple as inclduing a fuse is often overlooked at university, the wealth of knowledge senior engineers had was apparent, conversing with them on a day-to-day taught me more than I could possibly mention here. I also further developed presentation skills, as well as other soft skills such as producing high-quality documentation, spreadsheets, charts etc...

Yes, it felt like I had at least one project all to myself so to speak. I also had the opportunity to contribute on several other projects. I was also given the task of obtaining quotes for some items for site. I genuinely felt like an active, contributing member of the team, given real tasks to manage and allocate my time to. It felt great being able to shoulder real tasks, and if I ever did need help with anything, literally everyone and anyone at the company who I spoke to were so great at providing assistance and/or pointing me in the right direction.

I recieved a very decent amount of guidance during my placement. Not only that, the support at the company is amazing. I suffered from quite a life-changing personal situation towards the end of my placement, and whilst I didn't really take the offer(s) up, so much support was given to me, including several amazing offers of assistance should I have required it. In terms of work support, my senior/buddy were great, there was never a moment where I felt I couldn't reach out for guidance if I got stuck. They set me up for my task very well, and guided me through the processes fantastically.

Absolutely fantastic and the word 'buzzing' springs to mind. I don't think I've ever been in a workplace with such happy staff before. I would attend meetings with peers, management, senior figures, recruitment, different departments, and honestly they all were such lovely people. The culture here is one of respect and diversity, the atmosphere could replace caffeine its so uplifting. Staff are treated extremely well, and it shows in their behaviours and mannerisms and just the general 'happy to be here' mentality that everyone here seemed to exude.

I very much enjoyed my placement. I think it was a great learning experience, and was above and beyond my expectations of what working for the company would be like.

Yes

If at first you don't succeed, try and try again. I was unsuccessful on my first application, so I'd advise others not to give up. If you are resilient and passionate, and have a true desire to work with the company, you will get there. Also, in terms of application and interview advice, using the STAR approach to questions is good, any experience is experience you can use to demonstrate transferrable skills and capabilities.