Undergraduate Engineer Review

The work placement was very good and I feel that I have massively benefited by developing my skills and showing that I can apply my academic learning to a working environment. The bonus of being able to easily move around the company allowed me to focus my areas of study for the next few years.

I felt like I was another member of staff and was not treated any differently.

During my first placement I found that my supervisor was very busy and so struggled to give me support. However, due to this I learnt to use my initiative and also another member of the team was always happy to help in order to provide the support required. Quite often your top manager will be based in Italy and so face to face contact is quite rare.

During my first placement I was very busy as I was given the responsibility of a complete project for the duration of the placement. As part of my second placement I found the work load was very on and off and so occasionally I had to ask around for work to do.

Due to having a big project during my first placement this meant I was completely responsible for the work. When I moved I found that due to health and safety and lack of experience it took longer for me to be able to take on more responsibility, however towards the end I found I progressed to a good level.

The job is quite a learning curve but you are usually eased into the work. Just through the type of work I have gained valuable skills that I will be able to use during my studies. I have developed a range of skills that I probably wouldn't have gained just through degree studies.

I think that in both departments there was a very relaxed atmosphere which still allowed the correct level of work. Everyone was very welcoming and happy to help out if needed.

I think that the transition between departments was very smooth. Due to the long running undergraduate programme all the departments were very aware of how to deal with undergraduates and were very happy for you to join there team. I never had a problem with getting into the department I wanted however I know this wasn't always the case with other undergraduates

There was only one official training course which was to improve your presenting skills. Most of the development was gained by doing the work and supporting other colleagues. The longer you stay in one department the greater amount of time and investment the company puts into you as by moving around too much you can only get a snapshot of the kind of work.

If you receive good feedback from all your managers you are looked apon more kindly when applying for the graduate course. However, if you are looking to develop into a manager you may struggle.

I believe there was a good mix between socialising with colleagues and other undergraduates. Due to everyone relocating from uni it meant that everyone was in the same boat and didn't know many other people in the area. However with such a large group in meant that organising a big event wasn't always easy. There were occasionally activities such as curry nights/skittles/bowling organised depending on you department.

Apart from drinking which can be very expensive in the town bars and clubs the accommodation and socialising is quite standard/ slightly cheaper. I rented a 2/3 bed house with another undergraduate and paid inclusive of all bills/household goods etc about £90 a week

There is one nightclub and a couple of bars in the town and the drinks can be expensive compared to university prices. There are a lot of good local pubs that you can drink a range of local ciders for quite a good price.

You have to actively seek them but there is quite a bit going on. I got involved with both 11 a side and 7 a side football along with a skittles team from work. There is also student associations that put on activities such as go karting, paintballing, bbq etc but these aren't that regular.