Internship Review at Interfleet Technology Ltd

The Role

Role Description

Two major projects using Solidedge CAD modelling software, MatLab and a vehicle dynamics simulation package 'VAMPIRE'. Also took on a number of smaller tasks often involving CAD, calculations or research.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I had a really good time on my placement with Interfleet, I was always set challenging and interesting projects. They also gave me the opportunity to go on a training/team building week working at a heritage railways alongside the new graduates.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I got on very well with all my colleagues, they were always pleasant and helpful to work with. The recent graduates often met up for lunch together so it was easy to get to know them.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Every new placement or graduate is assigned a 'Buddy' to help them settle in with the company, however I rarely felt the need to seek my buddy. The office atmosphere was very friendly and everyone was willing to help out if required.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I had two major projects during my 9 weeks on placement, one using Solidedge CAD modelling software to design a fitting, and the second working with VAMPIRE vehicle simulation software and MatLab. These kept me occupied throughout the placement. I was also approached by a number of colleagues asking if I was available to take on other smaller tasks, I usually accepted these, but wasn't obligated to.

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

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

Most of the tasks I was working on I was working independently, with plenty of support available around me. This was a very rewarding experience. Due to the nature of the work done at Interfleet everything you did had to be checked and signed off by suitable personnel, so whilst I was given the responsibility for the design work, everything was checked before it was implemented.
I was also given the task of checking a more senior employee's work on a couple of occasions.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I gained a lot of hands on experience with CAD modelling software, especially how to produce acceptable engineering drawings. This will be very useful for most engineering careers.
During my placement I used MatLab extensively to sort out test data and write files for the vehicle simulations I was working on. MatLab is a very powerful tool and the knowledge I gained from it will be very useful since I am taking on a big project using National Instruments LabView software, the skills should be transferable.
Also learnt how to use the VAMPIRE simulation software, whilst I am unlikely to use this software outside the Rail Industry, the skills gained from using it will be invaluable.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

The atmosphere in the office was very pleasant, everyone was very friendly and cakes were regularly brought in for various events.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

My placement at Interfleet was well organised yet it was still flexible, allowing me to discuss with the relevant sections when I would be moving over to work with them. Interfleet also take great pride in their Graduate scheme, insuring every new graduate experiences the full extent of Interfleets activities, including opportunities to work abroad etc.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

The company treated me the same as any new graduate, offering me the chance to go on a team building week with the new graduates.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

• There were no perks with this internship

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Interfleet seemed very positive about my time on placement with them and I believe they would be happy to take me on again for another summer placement, and possibly again at the end of my degree.

Other Information

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

All my colleagues in the office were very friendly, and the recent graduates regularly ate lunch together. I went to play sports with the graduates a number of times, and there were a few nights out over the weekends.

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

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

Conveniently I was able to live with my own family, but I don't believe the area is too expensive to live and socialise in.

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

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

Whilst Derby is not well known for it's nightlife, there is still plenty to do.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

There seemed to be plenty to do outside the company, not organised by the company itself, but the general attitude of it's staff meant that the was always plenty going on and opportunities to take up.

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?

The company is situated right next to the station so commuting by train would be easy. I would consider commuting from Sheffield since this is where my University friends will are.