Human Factors Engineer Summer Intern Review

Human Factors Engineer Summer Intern. This involved working with ex-submariners, Naval Architecture, Operability and multiple stakeholders from the Royal Navy and MoD. HMI and user-focused design was the majority of the work, focusing on spatial awareness and the interactions of humans with the product. It involved mock-ups, meetings with currently serving Royal Navy crew, and advising suggestions for proposed spatial arrangements based off specifications for different scenarios, including emergency scenarios and fire safety protocols too.

I have learnt how to conduct an official survey accurately and effectively, ensuring answers were documented in a professional way and recorded for future use. I have learnt how to conduct spatial analysis with the stakeholders, and the importance of identifying their needs through conversations about the mock-up as well as physically moving items around. I have developed my computer skills such as how to effectively use Outlook to manage my time via the calendar to help prepare for meetings.

I was allowed to undertake spatial analysis myself and with other members of the team, as well as being responsible for the construction of mock-ups both 2D and 3D using tape, foam board and other construction materials. I was also allowed to conduct a literature review entirely by myself, reviewing documents and ensuring that I documented the key points for future use within the Technology department. I also was allowed to handle other work alongside this.

I received help from the entire team, including people from Human Factors Engineering (HFE) and Human Factors Safety (HFS). They were able to point me in the right direction for resources and learning material so I could read ahead and become up to date with specifications required for the work. I was also supported by people from different departments who facilitated my work where I wanted to expose myself to other different teams too, which was helpful.

The company culture was extremely welcoming from the first day. I managed to speak to a lot of the interns as they emphasise the importance of working together. The working environment was very friendly, and everyone seemed to enjoy the work. It was not too strict, and people seemed to have friendly chats at lunch time. It was very nice to work within an office which had multiple teams rather than isolated, so the atmosphere was very lively.

I enjoyed the internship a lot, as I was able to experience this with other intern for both the summer and the year. I enjoyed the team I worked in and I also enjoyed interacting with some other teams to see and appreciate the different work from different teams. I enjoyed the work that was given to me as well, and the freedom of being able to ask for different projects that were enjoyable to myself.

Yes

I would advise to establish what you would like to achieve by the end and have a discussion early on with your line manager as they are always more than happy to try to accommodate this. I would also say try and read around your role more to ensure you know what to expect and be best prepared for the internship. Also try and make the onboarding process as smooth as possible by complying quickly.