This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.
Rating
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The Role
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The Company
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The Culture
- 1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?
- 2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?
- 3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?
- 4. How busy were you on a daily basis?
- 5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?
- 6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
- 7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?
- 8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?
- 9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
- 10. What were the perks on your work placement?
- 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?
- 12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?
- 13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?
- 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?
- 15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?
The Role
I found the complete 15 months very enjoyable, as it gave many new training and learning opportunities.
As an intern, I was treated no differently than to the rest of my full time colleagues.
When I needed support, I was able to discuss my problems with my manager and get guidance, however my manager believed it was best if I tried to solve issues first and then ask for help when I needed it.
The first 3 months were mainly filled with going on training days and learning the company processes and procedures. The remaining 12 months were very busy as I had to lead several projects.
My manager allowed me to single handedly lead component projects, including liaising with the supplier and designing the components.
The placement has taught me many skills in communication and management, but it has also extended my technical knowledge dramatically in mechanical engineering.
The Company
The atmosphere was always very professional, but at the same time working flexi time allowed the team to always have a positive attitude to their work.
The HR department were very helpful in setting up the assessment centres and introducing the undergraduates to the company and their managers. I was the first placement student in my department, therefore my manager treated me no different to any other member of staff, giving me the same tasks.
There has been many opportunities to go on a large amount of training courses, including a 3 week CATIA course, which taught me how to use the industries leading CAD Software.
Flexi Time
Subsidised Canteen
Originally my placement was set to be 12 months, but my manager has asked me to stay on for another 3 months. He has also asked me to come back for 3 months over the summer between my 3rd and final year at University. They also have a very good 2 year graduate scheme and have been taking on several 100's of graduates/year for the last few years.
The Culture
As I was the only student in my department of over 100 engineers, my colleagues were all 7+ years older than me, however they still arranged go-karting events and nights out.
I lived at home for my placement therefore I cannot comment on this, however the area its self is close to Warwick University and therefore has many student houses up for let.
As it is close to Warwick University, the night life in Leamington Spa is very good.
They send emails and notices around informing you of many activities you can get involved in outside of work.
Details
Placement (10 Months+)
West Midlands
July 2014