Summer Internship Chassis Department - Wheels Review

The work was sometimes interesting and varied. However the Engineering content of the job was almost zero, this isn't made clear when the job roles are originally presented to you at the interview days and on the website. Essentially that is the most disappointing aspect of the placement, it does not draw upon any of the technical knowledge you've gained whilst studying Engineering at University. The work is related to the project management of the components owned by your department and so is largely of an administrative nature.

My colleagues were very friendly and helpful. They seem happy to make use of you and keep you reasonably occupied whilst also encouraging you to experience other aspects of the company (e.g going to other departments for a few days or sitting in on meetings that may be interesting) even if this sometimes involves you not contributing a huge amount.

My line manager put one member of his team in charge of me so this was a clear point of contact for help and support with tasks. My line manager was also very approachable and happy to help with any issues. I did not feel out of my depth or without support at all.

The first few weeks were quite a slow start and so for many days I did not have much to do at all; of course this was very boring. The work did pick up as the placement developed but I could often complete tasks and then be waiting for further instructions which would slow the process down. This was sometimes caused by my supervisor being busy with his own work (in meetings etc.) which is perfectly understandable on his part. Another issue was that some of what I did relied upon answers or information from other people in the company or even from other companies. A combination of people not answering emails, being abroad on business or on holiday also meant that I was not as busy as I could have been. However this last reason is a generic hazard of Summer placements.

The tasks I carried out had a reasonable amount of responsibility associated with them. Once I was given instructions as to what to do I would carry out much of the work unassisted which meant I had to be sure to carry out the work correctly. The results of some of my work would be used within the company and so I felt there was significant responsibility with some tasks, however, my supervisor would check the work and give me further advice when necessary.

In terms of benefiting my degree I feel the value here is limited. As I have already said the technical content of the placement was minimal. The placement does of course force you to work independently at times but this is something you are used to doing at University the difference being that you completely understand the task whilst on placement. In terms of skills for life post University this does give you a valuable insight into the reality of what many Engineers do on a day to day basis; this is something University does not prepare you for. Of course all the general soft skills of working with new people in an office environment are useful and the placement will provide you with something to talk about in future interviews.

The office was more relaxed than I was expecting, particularly compared to my previous employer. Despite the relaxed atmosphere the work ethic in the office was good on the whole.

It did take a while for laptops to arrive for the placement students and I didn't have a proper desk to sit at when I arrived which did make working uncomfortable. Apart from these issues the placement was reasonably well organised.

There was no extra training offered by JLR but givent he short duration of the placement this is not unreasonable.

JLR has a very good graduate programme which is appealing. However from my experience here over the Summer I don't think I could make an informed decision as to whether JLR is for me on a long term basis. I think I would need more time in other departments to make that decision, however based upon my experience in the Chassis department I do not think that job specifically is suited to me on a long term basis.

For those that wanted there were plenty of social opportunities as many of the placement students lived in the same University accommodation over the Summer in Coventry.

Apparently the pubs and clubs near the University halls we were staying in were pretty cheap. The cost of accommodation was very reasonable as well, around £900 for the 3 months. The most surprising cost was petrol; it was a 45 mile round trip from Coventry to Gaydon.

Apparently there is plenty of very average night-life in Coventry.

Like most Cities there is plenty to do in and around Coventry. However JLR does not seem to have a significant social scene outside of work.