Production Design Undergraduate Review

by Caterpillar

This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.

Rating

3.8/5
  • The Role
    4.4
  • The Company
    3.6
  • The Culture
    3.3

    The Role

  • 1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?

    • I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Caterpillar, totally worth the early mornings

    4/5
  • 2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?

    • Really felt like one of the team from the start.

    5/5
  • 3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?

    • My manager was always free/able to make time to answer questions

    5/5
  • 4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

    • I was kept busy from the start, being involved in project work, supplier/customer meetings and design tasks

    4/5
  • 5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?

    • In the second half of my placement I was talking to customers, suppliers and Caterpillar employees at different sites on a daily basis

    4/5
  • 6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?

    • I can't imagine going into graduate employment without experiencing this placement year. It has helped to me develop skills in a working environment that I would otherwise been unable to develop. I have learnt the importance of asking questions and the benefits of working a full working day.

    5/5

    The Company

  • 7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

    • Enjoyable and lighthearted. Rarely a dull moment

    4/5
  • 8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?

    • There was no real line of sight on what work I was going to be doing during my placement. It was all very reactive. However this made the placement feel more like work.

    4/5
  • 9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?

    • My contract was extended for an extra 1.5 months to pass on the invested knowledge onto the new placement students. I was able to complete the work of a full time employee with very little help from my colleagues.

    4/5
  • 10. What were the perks on your work placement?

    • 3/5
  • 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?

    • A conditional position was offered after completing my masters degree (I am enrolled on a 4 year MEng) and also a summer placement in 2015.

    4/5

    The Culture

  • 12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?

    • The area did not lend itself to a typical student lifestyle however curry nights were a regular with colleagues

    4/5
  • 13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?

    • Fairly well priced for the quality

    3/5
  • 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?

    • Very little student style nightlife. However there were plenty of bars and pubs, always busy.

    3/5
  • 15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?

    • Based near the Welsh border there was plenty to do. Running, cycling, rowing. I learnt to snowboard at a local indoor snow centre

    4/5
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Details

Placement (10 Months+)

Mechanical Engineering

West Midlands

October 2014

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