Engineer Intern Review

I had an enjoyable project which allowed me to interact with many stakeholders and conduct interviews and meetings. I enjoyed making the most of the large size of the coorporation and having a role of connecting the business together.

I felt the value people gave me was a reflection of the respect I gave to them, no matter what age. By respect I mean the way I listen and take advice from them - i.e. I didn't take much advice from other interns, hence not showing appreciation for their intelligence. On the other hand, I sought advice from senoirs and listened to them because I felt they have experience, thus being valued by them in return. Again to re-iterate, it was a reflection of the respect I gave to my colleagues which determined my value to them.

I have to initiate meetings with my project manager, who's in another building so its not so easy to contact. However my line manager sitting beside me was a frequent contact who occasionally asked if everything was going okay, and whom I can easily walk over to to ask for feedback. I thought the overall level of support was good in that it allowed me to be independant, yet prompted if things weren't going well.

First month I didn't myself busy. The following month I had initiated lots of meetings and interviews and information gathering events which hightened my daily tasks, to which I had to start a systematic to-do list to keep on-top of it all. How busy I was, was dependant on how much work I wanted to do, really.

I was made the lead of a project, with a deliverable and a project deadline. I also made myself organised well enough to be approachable so I can take on further tasks while doing this project, thus making the most of my hours here. I think people recognised me as a capable individual and were able to approach me to do tasks.

I've learnt to be organised using systems that I regularly update and use which I think will be useful for when my degree becomes highly study-intensive. I've learnt to prioritise my time well. Also communication was something I've recently improved because in the start I was trying to act like someone else I know because I like the way they talk, however my manager has told me he can see right through that, and so I've been having to be genuine in my communication which I think has helped the -real- me improve.

It was a very lively office, bright, open plan and with modern refurbishment as it was a gym before. Other buildings in the same base may have a completely different environment because the windows would face away from the sun, for example, or there are many walls dividing the people which made it a less energetic environment as my office.

There were lead times to things such as IT and security clearances. I also had to find my own accomodation. This was the first year that our area was taking interns so I think its been a new experience for everyone in organising the internship. But there was no problems once the work started and things can go relatively fast if followed up and chased.

Excellently. I was motivated to take lead of meetings and the employees were very very supportive of my tasks i.e. they would happily dedicate their day to helping us attend meetings and were very proactive with our activities.

I was encouraged by my manager that they would find it useful to have me back, which I felt was quite a honourable thing to be said about me! There does exist a problem that some graduates have too little work, or are bored with the things they do because of them being neglected by managers, but there are a couple examples of graduates being proactive in their job to really enjoy it. However the bearing of future managers is large on one's employment prospects, and currently I think there are some downsides to the management within this large organisation.

There was a good scene during working hours, but after the working hours I didn't feel I personally engaged more. We had different interests and it was difficult to arrange socials outside of work with the other interns - maybe because of the gender difference? I.e. I was the only guy with two other girls.

£450/month for accomodation. University accomodation was very dissapointing, however moving to a private landlord was far better. Socialising was ok, spending around £8-10 for a dinner. However I dont think I got to socialise much.

I didnt explore the night-life in my area. But I do know there were things going on i.e. clubs and bars.

Yes, many, albeit expensive. I explored Kayaking, Rock Climbing, Outdoor Circuit Training, Gym, Driving Lessons, Cycling, Martial Arts. I stuck to the Outdoor Circuit Training because of the socialism and low cost (£30/month roughly).