Sensors Engineer Review

Good socially and benifits, but the work itself, though interesting, did not feel like it was particually needed. Expect some downtime in the first few weeks of the placement.

Freindly collegues, both in the office and outside. I felt treated like a real employee, rarther than a summer placement. When I asked other people in the organisation to do things for me with no benifit to themselves, they were always helpful, even though they knew I would be soon gone.

In terms of support, most requests and questions were handled promptly and well. Guidance felt slightly lacking, though part of that might have been my own not asking for clarification. Although the manager was very nice when I did meet him, he was based on another site, and as I did not have a phone, I could only contact him through infrequent emails and a video conference every fortnight.

Initial few weeks were quite dull (reading powerpoint), as I was unable to start on my project. Work later picked up, but large amounts of self motivation were nescessary due to the long timescale. Given the size of the organisation, it is difficult to get things done quickly, and it is important to keep oneself busy with other things while waiting for something else.

Although my project was my own, and I was given very considerable freedom in how I carried it out, I did not feel it was particually for anything, especially given the shoestring budget.

I would have appreciated more teamwork, after being left in the lab by myself for two weeks. The general "work skills" (communication etc), this being my first job, were quite useful.

Good office atmosphere, with a nice balence between communication and work.

All "common" activites for all new starters were very well planned and organised. The actual work itself set by the department was lacking in detail, though it did match my skillset nicely. I would have appreciated more guidance.

Most things I learnt came from a big folder of powerpoints and wikipedia, with nothing that would cost the company anything more than my time. There were regular lunchtime lectures amongst the sensors department, which were always nicely informative.

Prospects appear quite good if the internship is followed through every year, the company seems to be hiring quite heavily at the moment due to an aging workforce.

Regular meetups outside of work (curries, cinema etc), and most placement students would have lunch together.

Near london, of course its going to be pricey. Thankfully spoons exists. The local curry houses are actually very nice, especially Spice Rouge.

One nightclub, looks horrible. The "old town" has a few nice but crowded pubs.

A few informal social things in the department. There is a very active sports and social club which I neglected to join so I can't comment on it.