Placement Review at Marshall Aerospace

The Role

Role Description

Working in an office as part of a design team, the principle activities included research, background reading especially into airworthiness regulations, liaison with customers and internal company departments (eg manufacturing), design work and drawing especially using CAD software, presenting technical ideas to company superiors, stakeholders and customers. Customers include the Royal Air Force, the Canadian Department of National Defence, and the Royal Netherlands Air Force. Stakeholders included Raytheon and Rockwell Collins.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Although the work was interesting and the people very friendly, some aspects of company policy let them down. The absence of Flexi-Time, instead relying on dated clock-in cards, was a major detractor. The internal management system was also sometimes difficult to use. However, overall very positive.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Everyone was very easy to get on with, including superiors and senior management. Treated me with respect and relied on me for some very important tasks, a responsibility I was not expecting but welcomed wholeheartedly. Very sociable atmosphere outside of the office too.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

All the management were extremely helpful.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

Daily the workload varied enormously. Because of the nature of the company there is often little or no work in the office, then the next week a huge amount comes in and everyone is rushed off their feet.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Once I had become familiar with the way the company works, I was placed on a project by my line manager in the early development phase. When this matured into the detailed design phase I became de facto leader of the small team assigned to the project (3-4 people).

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Very useful skills, although some not readily transferable to other areas. Overall great experience.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

Entertaining a lot of the time, but serious when it needed to be. Internet browsing is allowed during work hours WITHIN REASON.

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

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

Satisfactory although not perfect, the online application was good and introduction to the company very good. Placement within a relevant department sometimes not great, and placements sometimes expected to slot into whatever work hole is open.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Several training courses as well as on-the-job training. I felt I was being given plenty of scope for development.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

• Sports and Social Club
• Subsidised/Company Gym

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

At the end of my placement I was offered a minimum 1 year contract to return to work with them.

Other Information

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Very good. Often placement students share houses in the city together (property is very expensive!)

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

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

Socialising is good, plenty of student oriented establishments. Living costs are often very high, as property in the city is in demand. Rent on a 2-bed flat often exceeds £1000pcm

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

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

Again, lots of students about so pretty good nightlife.

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

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

Quite a bit going on really, and not very far from London (45min by train) so outings to the capital often organised.

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?

Very good for anyone interested in aerospace but not wanting to get lost in the placement schemes of the BIG companies. Relaxed, sociable environment, with opportunities for job offers.