OBD Calibration Engineer Review

My placement has been fantastic. Even though I knew relatively little when I started I have learnt a vast amount, and have been able to use my new knowledge in a day to day basis. The work I have done has been incredibly interesting and the people who I have worked with have helped to make my time at JLR so brilliant.

I was given the lead on an important project which I quickly learnt a lot about. Colleagues would come to me for answers and advice on the work I was doing and how it affected their work, and I always felt that being an undergraduate had no bearing on how they interacted with me. They listened to my opinions on work matters and accepted my help without question. I also have a good personal relationship with my colleagues who I sit closest too, which certainly helped me to settle in at the start.

My manager was always willing to talk to me if I needed help or advice and regular 1:1 meetings allowed me to talk honestly about any problems I was having, which were always quickly resolved.

Every day is very different in terms of work load- some days are very busy some days are very relaxed. Whenever I did feel bored there was always someone in the team who would ask for some extra help, or my manager would find me extra work to continue on with.

I was given a large amount of responsibility. My learnings and project will form the basis of future production, and the information I produced has been used in many other projects. However I did not feel overwhelmed as I knew exactly what was expected of me and where to ask for help if I needed it.

I have gained a tremendous amount of knowledge during my time here. A lot of it has been very technical, understanding engines and exhaust systems. Whilst this doesn't necessarily match my degree studies the knowledge gained has been invaluable as a car owner. The softer skills I have gained here are of immeasurable value. I have grown in confidence so much, and have learnt a lot about the working environment, which I will use as long as I am working.

I was fortunate enough to be put in a team and seated with people who are incredibly friendly and open. The atmosphere is almost always upbeat and that made it very easy to ask for help at the start, since everyone was so welcoming.

The placement scheme at JLR is brilliant. Managers are very keen to have you quickly become a valuable member of their team and will provide whatever you need to do your job. Even the process of applying was very well organised and explained.

I attended many training courses to aid my work and I was repeatedly assured that I had many people who I could ask for help if I needed it. My manager was very keen on ensuring I got the most out of my placement and that it benefited me as much as him.

Being on the undergraduate scheme allows you to take a shortened version of the graduate application. Although I have not yet done mine I am confident that I wish to return and that there is every possibility I will be offered a job at the end of my time here.

The social scene for undergraduates is very much self driven- but I am currently how sharing with other placement students and there are a number who live close or work at the same site who I regularly socialise with. It's very easy to make friends with the graduates as well.

Living in Guildford for university and then moving to Leamington Spa was a big change, Leamington in comparison is much cheaper to live in, but not all my friends would agree.

Being so close to Warwick and Coventry Universities there is a lot of nightlife, and student deals in the area.

There is a scheme through the company which allows you funding to pursue any activity you want to outside of work. The early work day finish time of 4pm also allowed me to do something in the evening as there is still plenty of time left in the day.