Application Engineer Review

I've absolutely loved my year working at Intel. I've been exposed to a number of different technologies I wouldn't have worked on in my own time, and have worked with a number of clients from varying fields, which has given me a really broad scope.

I have been able to work with a number of Account Managers and fellow Application Engineers who have really listened to the input I have been able to provide, and have in a number of cases, used ideas I've come up with to move forward.

I've been given quite good support and guidance when I've needed it. Both my supervisor, and line manager, have provided support that I needed.

On the whole, I spent a lot of my placement very busy. This was primarily due to the number of accounts I was covering, and the responsibilities I had. However, I have enjoyed being very busy compared to the alternative of having large amounts of time waiting for new projects to come in. Additionally, some extra responsibilities I took on, which were outside my job spec, allowed me to work on new projects and always have something to fall back on if there was a lull in the workload.

I worked on a very large UK tablet deal, and as such was working with a number of developers, to help them port their applications to x86, as well as testing patches to the Android OS. This was along side only a few other Application Engineers, which meant that my progress was integral to the success of the project. Additionally, I have 5 accounts, working on different enabling goals, in the Education, Healthcare, and Consumer Advertising spaces. As part of this, I have had to work on developing sample applications, driving technical workshops with said clients, and performing presentations in a number of situations. I have also been able to attend a few developer events, where I have given presentations on varying Intel-related topics, aiding to promote Intel's products and services. Due to my Linux skills, I was given an extra responsibility of setting up a server in our office - which was far outside my job spec - which would work as a way to build the Android OS from its source code, as well as being used as a file, web and mail server. This was then an extra task I took on top of my other responsibilities and accounts, and was a really good experience.

I have gained a lot of self-confidence through the numerous presentations I have given, which will greatly benefit me in all I do. Working with varying clients has also helped me build up a strong customer-focused attitude, which will enable me to work with future accounts. I have also gained a lot of development skills, which will definitely improve my workflow and effectiveness, especially when working to deadlines. My work on the QA side has already improved my testing ability in software, and has given me new insight into more effective methods of testing

Although we were in a small office, of 10-20 people, it was a Great Place to Work (one of Intel's key values), which made it fun to work, and everyone was really friendly. Daily table tennis games during lunch, and a more relaxed environment has made this year very enjoyable, and due to the small size of the office, it makes it more personal, as you're able to properly meet everyone.

Our first and last months are a handover month, which means we get to work along side the very people who we are replacing / being replaced by, which means that we learned everything possible, opposed to having to read through documentation (if there were any). Aside from a few hours of training at the very beginning of the year, we are treated as full employees and as such it is a much nicer work environment

I have been able to attend a number of courses and conferences, which have been fully funded by the company, allowing me to learn about new and upcoming developments, and to provide me with official certifications that I will be able to use in the future

Within my first couple of months I was offered part time work due to getting on really well with my supervisor, and settling in really well. The part time work would be during my final year, and although I had originally planned on taking it, I was unable to commit to it as I would rather not risk jeopardizing my degree. Although they are unable to offer me a graduate job, due to there being no places free in my team, my supervisor has expressed interest in me returning full time to my line manager. In the case that I am unable to join back in the same team, my supervisor has said that he will send me job openings that I would be interested in, and will support me where possible. Due to having met a number of people from different teams, I have built up a network and have a few ideas as to which part of the business I would potentially like to look into.

There were three interns in my office, and two recent graduates, and as such we were able to enjoy a good social scene. As we were in a student town, we also great options in terms of nightlife

Unfortunately, as Reading is near London, the prices were relatively expensive. Living in a shared house of 6, I paid £600pcm for the largest room, with a shared bathroom between 3, including all bills and Sky (and a TV) included in the rooms.

As we were in a student town, the nightlife was great, and we were able to attend a number of student events as well.

There were a number of activities, but unfortunately I didn't really get a lot of time to enjoy them!