Applications Support Engineer Review

The work was pretty routine in my role, but there were some points where I could really get involved in and these were enjoyable. In addition the community involvement was fun.

During my placement I was treated exactly how I would want to be. I was given tasks that were within my experience levels and allowed me to expand in the role. I never felt that I was simply there to pick up the small jobs.

The guidance I received was really good. My supervisors were friendly and approachable and always gave support where needed or pointed me in the right direction.

Due to my role, I found a few times where I would simply be waiting for other things to be completed or a response from outside the company. There were things to do, or training to complete in the meantime. A few times I found the work to lull and then jump up to unexpected levels, but this is to be expected in any dynamic position.

I was given about as much responsibility as any other engineer… Student or otherwise… I was charged with leading projects and dealing with dynamic issues. It could have been a bit daunting, but the support was excellent from my supervisors.

The placement was good in terms of profecional development. I have leart a lot of skills to add to a CV although none of them were very technical. This isnt entirely a bad thing and will change between roles.

The 10 stars is "the fun never stopped" which is unlikely anywhere... But there were always cakes and friendly banter. Everyone chatted and was really friendly. It’s the same as anywhere, really... It all depends. But I didnt meet anyone in the company I didnt like, which is rare.

It’s organised in that everyone gets paid, is kept well informed and knows what their meant to be doing... But as a placement it needs a little work to make sure the student gets as much as possible from the placement. But generally speaking, its well organised.

The company push ImechE and community work which is always good for a CV. In addition, I found my department open to me taking on new skills if I had time (such as Creo training, in my case). In addition to that, there’s a lot of various training going on throughout the year.

They offer a bursary scheme which greatly ups your chances of future employment as well as holiday employment at current placement rates, which is excellent. And I have also heard that a few people have already been offered places. I would say that all things considered, the opportunities are really good.

There were a few good nights out to be had that were arranged by the staff. In the first place Cummins students arrange a nice meal for the cross-over so everyone can get acquainted. It’s really a nice night out...

I lived in Northampton, which was about average really. I managed to live perfectly comfortably including commuting 28 miles a day.

In all fairness, Cummins can’t really control the social scene. I lived in Northampton with my wife so never really got involved in the social scene. I know others said it was really bad, but they always seems to be hanging out in one way or another... Having transport would greatly help as better places are nearby. Overall... Good for hanging out with new friends, maybe not so much for partying.

There’s a good few activities that Cummins publicise... If there’s nothing that Cummins arrange or publish... And they do a fair bit, then you can start your own thing. If you were to really get involved in something there, you could easily get the word out and arrange more bodies to take part.