Mechanical Engineer Intern Review

My summer internship at Costain was thoroughly enjoyable. I was given challenging and rewarding tasks throughout the internship. I was part of a bid team and learnt a lot about the processes of work winning, something most engineers will not be exposed to until later in their careers. Everyone I encountered in the company was welcoming and determined to drive the company forward which creates a purposeful and enjoyable work environment.

At Costain I was given several important tasks which contributed to the tender. Some of these tasks required me to talk to the supply chain which made me feel a part of Costain as I was representing them to the rest of the industry. Additionally all members of the team were willing to help me at a moments notice which made me feel like I belonged at the company and the colleagues valued my input to the tender

As an intern I did not have a set job role, therefore when doing different tasks and activities each week it was important I was given the correct guidance to complete the task correctly. I believe this guidance was given but I was not "spoon fed" as you can be at university. This helped me work and think for myself and make important decisions without seeking constant reinforcement. The confidence I developed from the internship will help me transition from university to the industry.

The days were varied, at the start of the internship I was relatively quite, the reason being I spent most of my time reading and learning about the project in order for me to understand what I would be involved in over the summer. As the internship progressed more and more tasks were given to me simultaneously and I had to balance the work load to finish everything on time, again another valuable skill as an engineer.

As expected being an intern I was not given too much responsibility. The tasks and objectives I was required to complete and achieve were challenging however I had to get my work checked off first. As is the case with all employees at this stage of their career. I believe if I would of been site based this responsibility would of been increased however as I was on a bid there was not much opportunity to be responsible for anything in particular.

I believe the skills I have developed over the summer will assist me throughout the course of my degree and hopefully into the graduate scheme. Specifically my skills in decision making and communication. I now understand the main factors that decide what course of action should be taken when designing new components and methodologies for work. The first being the safety of everyone who will be affected by your work. Additional skills include report writing, dealing with the supply chain and presentation skills.

The atmosphere in the office was very professional and focused. Everyone had a job to do to a deadline and that helped motivate everyone in the office. The office was also at a times such as lunch time a more relaxed place with everyone chatting and taking an interest in other peoples personnel lives. This helps bond the team and improve the atmosphere when the work came more serious. It was a very enjoyable place to work.

Setting objectives and performance goals at the start of the internship gave the placement a real direction. It helped define what needed to be done each week which helped organised what tasks were given to me and helped me organise them accordingly.

I believe Costain invested in my learning considerably. As I was office based there was no need for me to go on site however the manager insisted I should be exposed to some sites so took me round some of the other projects around Costain. This helped me gain an appreciation for what being on site entailed. I was also required by the manager to pass the CITB Health, Safety and Environment test, this is a qualification in health and safety that will last for two years.

As a mechanical engineer in a primarily civil engineering company the prospects are very promising at Costain. Costain are determined to expand their mechanical and electrical presence within the company. As one of the first rounds of mechanical students to complete a placement with Costain there will be ample opportunity to rise within the company and progress my career faster than what could be done at most other companies.

I was the only student on my project therefore did not get a chance to meet any of the other students. However the social scene with the rest of the colleagues was quite good. Sometimes a few of us living in London would go out for drinks on a Friday, also I took part in a charity go karting event with the rest of the team which was good fun.

I was living in London, so as you can imagine the cost of living in particular was quite high. However Costain paid an accommodation allowance which covered this excess. The office was based in Hammersmith. Where to socialize you cane expect to pay typical London prices.

I did not go out at night in Hammersmith but London generally is a good night out, with plenty of places to go you can be sure to find something to suit everyone's tastes and never get bored.

As previously mentioned the charity go karting event was the only activity I was involved in over the summer. However I was made aware of other events throughout the country where Costain were taking part, such as bike rides.