Mechanical Engineering Placement Student Review

I found the background and initial work given on the placement to be really interesting. However, due to the nature of the work (which required lots of modelling), tasks were sometimes repetitive and lackluster. Nevertheless, there were many opportunities to get involved.

Initially, it was hard to break the ice and because I was working on my own project, I sometimes felt isolated from the work around me. However, after talking to colleagues, having meetings and lunch in informal environments, we warmed to each other a lot more.

My supervisor was very good at making me feel supported and would always take time for meetings and discussions about the work, company or wider career prospects.

There was a mixture of busy periods and slow periods due to the modelling taking time to process. The work wasn't too taxing, but I feel like I wasn't stretched to my potential,

I was given a lot of control on the solo project, and presentations and reports were expected to convey the results. The work I had been doing would pave the way for colleagues to pick up the work once I was finished.

The theoretical work I learned in university enabled me to grasp concepts faster than some of my colleagues as it was still fresh to me. The work also allowed me to combine the theoretical knowledge with practical applications and experience.

People were discussing and moving around enough to give a sense of life, without being to rushed. Very friendly and encouraging.

I was relatively lucky in having few problems with my laptop or software and I think the transition in was very smooth. Going out, I felt a bit rushed due to the bank holiday weekend; most people finished earlier on the Friday and I felt a little rushed.

I think the skills and training I have received are very useful and the company has great provisions for placement students.

Having already completed a prior placement, I applied onto the graduate scheme after finishing this placement and am currently awaiting a response.

There were quite a few placement students, especially in Warwick, so the atmosphere was nice. The graduate scheme employees were also a great asset in bridging the gap in terms of social interaction, and the advice and support they provided.

Cheaper than I am used to in London. Although finding a small flat was not as easy and two of us ended up sharing a house with more space than really necessary. The locale in Leamington was nice, very green and quite, but not as busy as the London life to which I am accustommed.

There were restaurants and bars which I sometimes visited with friends also on placement.

I didn't really find out about much of the extra activities and clubs National Grid harbour, so I spent the time mainly with friends or at home.