Placement Year Review at Thales

The Role

Role Description

I moved between 3 departments, spending 4 months in each and so undertook 3 different roles. As a software engineer I was part of a team developing user interfaces, in the quality assurance department I assisted the quality manager in guiding projects through the software lifecycle, and I was also a test engineer, which involved integrating the software with the larger system and testing for requirements compliance.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Overall, the placement was fantastic. I met lots of great people, and whilst the work was often challenging, it was always interesting and a brilliant learning experience.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I was immediately welcomed as part of the team and treat like any other member of staff. The work I was given was real work, on real projects, and I felt my contribution was valued.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

There was always help at hand when I needed in, in numerous forms. Apart from my team mates, I was provided a mentor for software engineering, introduced to graduates and other members of staff who were able to help with specific problems, and managers were always attentive.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

I always had enough work to keep me busy, without having too much of the load placed solely on me. At times when there was little work that would be suitable for me (though not often), I was given smaller research and development projects to work on.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

The level of responsibility I was given reflected the fact that I was a placement student and so should not be expected to be accountable for projects on the whole, though the work I was given was still important and relevant.

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

My software engineering skills in particular improved massively during the course of my placement. In addition, my analytic skills, knowledge of business practices, and presentation and communication skills have also hugely benefited from the support I was given at Thales.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

Whilst the work that the company carries out is of a serious nature, there was a good rapport between all employees that I came across and I was never made to feel awkward or uncomfortable. My colleagues were welcoming and down to earth, and the atmosphere was overall very friendly.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

The work placement involved rotations around three departments, and I was aware there had been criticism of how this was handled for the previous year's placement students. However the company took this criticism on board and for my placement this aspect was very well organised.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I was given lots of attention throughout the placement and help was always available when needed. I was introduced to the company practices and was given help in building up domain knowledge of the company's products such that I was able to perform the tasks I was given effectively. I felt that the staff genuinely wanted me to succeed.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

• Flexi Time
• Subsidised Canteen
• Sports and Social Club
• Subsidised/Company Gym
• Financial Bonus
• Company Parties/Events
• Staff Sales/Staff Shop
• Healthcare/Dental

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

I have been offered a place on the Graduate scheme, which I look forward to starting when I complete my degree.

Other Information

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I lived with a couple of my fellow placement students, and there were regular opportunities for nights out or other social events with the graduate staff and other colleagues.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Though I lived slightly outside of the the area I was working in, the cost of living was very reasonable. Although Manchester city centre can be quite expensive in parts, it is a very diverse city offering options for many tastes/budgets.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

I did not have any nights out in the specific area in which I worked, though it was only a short distance to Manchester which is a great night out.

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

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

Other than the socializing opportunities mentioned above, I do not recall any specific activities organised by the company that I took part in, although there was a social club which organised events that I could have taken part in.

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?

I could definitely recommend this company for a placement, and doing a placement in general. It was a great opportunity.

Review 4/6 for Thales

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