Internship Review at Rolls-Royce

The Role

Role Description

Working in the Service Engineering department of the services sector for Rolls-Royce Defence Aerospace in Bristol. In the EJ200 team, the designation of the engine for the Eurofighter Typhoon. As just a summer 10-week placement intern, I was tasked with primarily admin work, sorting through computer files and generally getting experience in different areas. Researching how the engine works and it's components, services deals with customer feedback from their relevant engine, generally accepting or decling defects found, maintaining the fleet and being point of contact for customers. Services recieves a report and then forwards it onto the relevant parties, as well as deal with partner companies who help make the engines with Rolls-Royce.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Extremely good experience for a world renowned company. Certainly something not to miss.

2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Despite the difficulty in finding jobs for me to do that suits my level of abilities, my colleagues valued me as much as any other employee, everyone being incredibly helpful without being condescending giving you enough trust to let you handle large tasks, but enough help if you get stuck, despite their own busy schedules.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

Although I had met my line manager on the first day, I had no real contact with him throughout my placement except towards the end where he had to evaluate me, which was somewhat unfair given that once again, there was no contact and had no idea what I had contributed towards the team. However helpful and courteous when contacted.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

there were times when I was twiddling my thumbs. The tasks I was given didn't usually last more than a few hours, and others are still not finished after the entire summer. Understandably it's difficult to give interns something to do so that's reasonable, however tasks I was given were usually quite high on importance and nothing was simply trivial.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

The tasks that were given were usually high priority, which can be surprising. I'd imagine it depends on your team and department and how much trust you instill in others, but if you put forward yourself as a capable individual, then you'd be given as high priority tasks as any other team member.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

This was my first placement and so was invaluable. Rolls-Royce on the CV is a definite bonus for any career prospects both if I wanted to return or find another internship next year. The knowledge and skills learnt about the industry which can't be learnt at university are invaluable, and highly recommend at LEAST an internship during studies. In terms of Aerospace engineering, Rolls-Royce is one of the best (better than Airbus according to one lecturer who worked for Airbus!!)

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

Extremely relaxed, quite the contrary to what I thought, depending on where you are put. I was lucky to be placed next to a group of individuals (not on my team so additional experience) who were always fun, with jokes and banter. Although facilities were initially a bit outdated, those were updated during my stay, though the room can get chilly during the summer (over use of air-con). Adequate lighting and facilities in a modern interior.

8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Without any other placements experienced it's difficult to judge. I believe it to of been adequate and made to the best of their abilities with suitable material given out at the beginning. A great welcome induction weekend at Derby (with expenses paid!).

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

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

Most of the training had to be conducted by yourself, either volunteering for training or self-learning online. The actual placement required none.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

• Flexi Time
• Sports and Social Club
• Subsidised/Company Gym
• Company Parties/Events
• Staff Sales/Staff Shop

11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Prospects for Rolls-Royce as a company shouldn't be sniffed at. However if I did re-apply, it would be in a different department. For your first internship/placement you will probably be put somewhere random unelss requested.

Other Information

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

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

I was aware of many social events organsied by fellow interns and were communicated clearly, rolls-Royce as the Apprenticeship Association club specifically for students, though did not personally attend many of the events due to the short summer stay, and a 'clique' feeling given off by many already knowing each other already, and you felt they were simply communicating to themselves rather than the group.

13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

I already lived in Bristol as studying here. Cost where I was was reasonable, maybe cheaper than average. Bristol has a vibrant night-life helped by the 2 universities in close proximity, and costs can vary greatly from area to area.

14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Bristol again has a great night-life due to it being primarily a student city.

15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

Opportunities were communicated but once again did not personally take part in many of them as already lived in Bristol and had probably done it all before!

In addition to these questions, is there any extra information you would like to leave about your experiences on your work placement that other students may be interested in?

Rolls-Royce overall was a perfect placement opportunity. Both as an internship for the summer and placement for the year. Without having experienced any other placement however no comparisons can be drawn, but certainly worth applying for whether your degree is in engineering, product design, computing, management, business or finance!

Review 78/94 for Rolls-Royce

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