Systems Design Integration, Advanced Projects (Intern) Review

I was given a range of different and interesting tasks to work on throughout my two placements. I was also able to get the engineering experience that I was looking for when I took placement. There was a great community feel between the other trainees and plenty of social events throughout the year.

I felt that the tasks I did work on genuinely contributed to my team's work and that they appreciated what I did. Although some of my work was individual, many tasks involved working with colleagues across multiple teams. Many members of the team were interested in attending any technical review I was holding, reading my reports or attending my end of placement presentation.

There were always opportunities to sit down with my line manager or any co-worker for support and guidance. They were always happy to help; whether it was a question on the work I was doing, work that I would like to do to gain extra experience or just general questions about the company.

As with any job, there are some extremely busy periods and other quieter ones. I was always given deliverables and deadlines to work to. These were always manageable and, if I was ever struggling, additional support or advice was available from colleagues or my line manager.

All of the work I was asked to complete had a real business need; there were no patronising 'intern training' activities. There was some training to complete at the beginning of each placement, but nothing beyond that which would be given to any new employee to familiarise them with company tools/methods.

The huge range of tools and methods that I've been using throughout my placement will be useful throughout the rest of my degree and in my career beyond. Having completed both of my placements within Systems Design, I think I have particularly developed skills that will be useful in our final-year Group Design Project.

I worked in a few different offices throughout my internship: in all of them there was a good atmosphere with friendly colleagues happy to chat and enjoy the day. Most people were easy to approach and ask questions if I needed to.

Communication throughout the application, interview and contract stages were exceptional; far better than the other companies I had applied for. The communication before the internship began was good; I was told where to go on my first few days, what I would be doing and was put in contact with my first line manager. My line manager phoned me a few weeks before to discuss his department and the work I would be completing during my first placement. This was a useful way to ask any outstanding questions I had before starting.

There were numerous compulsory training courses to be completed throughout my internship (e.g. half-day Hollistic Gas Turbine Course, PC-based specialist software training). However, I was also given the opportunity to undertake more advanced training. I attended a week-long CAD course covering company best practice methods using software I had not used before. I was also encouraged to attend the week-long Systems Engineering course; but was unable to due to a heavy workload at the time.

The process for future employment prospects within Rolls-Royce is very well defined. All interns were given a presentation explaining these prospects: either returning the next year for another internship or, for finalists, entering the graduate programme. I feel my internship gave me an excellent opportunity to prove myself worthy of being invited back for the graduate scheme, as well as showing me that Rolls-Royce would be the best place to work after completing my degree.

On the Bristol site, where I was based, the social scene for all trainees (interns, graduates and apprentices) is organised by the Apprentice Association. I attended many of these events, most of which were subsidised. The AA was led by trainees so if you wanted to set up an event, it was easy to do and there was almost always funding for this. Socialising as an office was generally less frequent, but there were team meals or drinks every few months.

Housing seemed reasonably priced, both in the areas around the Rolls-Royce site (Filton) and nearer the city. Transport around the city was also reasonable with regular buses covering all of the city: £4 for an all-day bus ticket or £3 after 7pm. There are plenty of supermarkets and independent stores.

Although nightlife in the area around the Rolls-Royce site is limited, there are plenty of pubs, bars and clubs closer to the city centre. From huge clubs to small independent pubs on the Harbourside, there's lots to chose from. I can think of a dozen places I meant to visit before leaving, but never got around to in over a year!

The Apprentice Association organised plenty of events; such as karting, paintballing, meals and trips to breweries, theme parks and loads more! These were all subsidised and transport was usually included.