Summer Intern Review

Taking part in project designing an electronic systems product. This involved being given a client specification, deciding what device needs to be built and designing its circuitry, selecting parts, creating a PCB design and then finally print the PCB and populate it with components. After this, the product has to be tested for functionality and efficiency. Towards the end, we also had to do a presentation (15 mins and 15 mins questions) as well as showcase our product

Yes I have learned many new skills. As I study at the university of Oxford, it is a very theoretical degree so I didn’t gain much practical experience, and so this internship provided a lot of skills that I would otherwise have not gained a university. For example, I learned how to use Altium designer, which is a software used to create printed circuit boards. I also developed my skills of soldering. Finally I also learnt how to do embedded programming by using an nrf52 and an stm32 microcontroller

Yes, I was given quite a bit of responsibility after being given the initial brief on what the project requires me to do. I essentially had three reins of how I decided to solve the issue and design a product even with my printed circuit board design. I had complete freedom in choosing my own components, and when designing certain methods for my product, we were completely responsible for deciding what you up to method would be, and then implementing that.

I received adequate guidance and support whenever I needed it. For example, I had three supervisors that were ready to assist me. Whenever I asked for help they will teach me hI received adequate guidance and support whenever I needed it. For example, I had three supervisors that were ready to assist me whenever I asked for help they will teach me how to do certain things I didn’t know and also educate me at the same time. This was not just a case with the supervisors, but generally everyone was quite helpful.

The atmosphere was quite relaxed and I was able to be free in terms of my address code and how I acted over there. I didn’t have to be very corporate which I preferred, as it meant I could relax a bit more and get more work done without having to worry about any consequences of trying out new things. The culture was aimed towards bringing about innovation and finding new ways to solve real life problems.

I enjoyed my placement/internship to a high extent. The fellow interns were very friendly and I really enjoyed interacting with them and discussing our respective projects. Also I enjoyed communicating and networking with other staff at PA consulting. The company also has Friday cake which gives another opportunity to socialise and get to know one another. The work was also the most enjoyable part as it felt challenging, but at the same time quite fun and it was something I was really passionate about

Yes

Some advice I would give to others applying to PA consulting is make sure you understand the companies values and goals and their culture. Really well before interviews and also make sure you understand your job description, so you know what you are expected to do and what qualities you expected to have also make sure to brush up on your electronic skills so that you are ready for any technical questions and Ameer also ask you about any prior electronic experiences