Placement Year Review at MBDA

The Role

Role Description

I was placed in a department which dealt with rapid development projects involving short timescales. My day to day job varied over the year long placement but included modelling, system design and aerodynamics & propulsion. I was also involved with electronics fairly regularly (not electrical design).

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

I enjoyed the placement, not only because the work was stimulating and challenging, but because I was given responsibility and freedom. I received many liberties than many undergraduates in other companies do not seem to get (flexi time, bonus, etc)

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

During work hours the department was highly bonded and you always felt able to ask questions to anybody nearby, where they were always accommodating. The company as a whole seemed to be very sociable.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Many sessions were set up for help with log books and gaining chartership. I felt like I was able to approach management, despite being an undergraduate on placement.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I always had more than one task to be getting on with, so I was rarely without things to do. When I did have nothing to do, I approached my line manager and was usually quickly given something to keep me busy with.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

I was given responsibility for an ongoing task (lasted 10 months) which by the end of the placement I had to have numerous sit down sessions to explain in detail what I'd achieved. I was also involved in assisting with project management towards the end of the placement which was a surprising, yet encouraging amount of responsibility to give to an undergraduate.

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

MBDA allowed me to get an overview of how a typical engineering project is run, yet allowed me to dive in and out of specific areas with the work at hand, gaining numerous skills.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

The office had an incredibly friendly atmosphere, still in contact with numerous colleagues.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

All MBDA new starters were given a introduction to the company. This taught us about the company, but also allowed us to meet people in the company from high level management to other new starters. FOr undergraduates and summer placements you work in the one department for the entirety. For graduates you have 4 x 6 month placements.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

I did not go on any personal training courses but I was however given access to multiple computers, one of which enabled hardware in the loop testing (expensive stuff!)

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

• Flexi Time
• Sports and Social Club
• National Travel
• Financial Bonus

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Hoping to go back next year!

Other Information

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Placement students gelled well, we had our own football team in a local 5 a side league. As well as this we all socialised on a regular basis.

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

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

Bristol isn't unreasonable, but it's not cheap either

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

In Filton, there is nothing. Buses take you into the centre of Bristol where the nightlife is fantastic

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Many. MBDA is involved with STEMNET, so volunteering in schools promoting engineering would be one example. Grads and undergrads set up a lot of events, in my year we went paintballing, go karting, played in numerous football leagues, etc

Review 30/67 for MBDA

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