Placement Year Review at Cummins

The Role

Role Description

- Gather specifications, requirements and feedback from a select group of customers.
- Redesign and rewrite the application that displays data from test cells as graphs. This is done according to the specifcation and requirements from the customer(s).
- Develop using Eclipse IDE, Java and XML.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

The work set was challenging and exciting. I enjoyed being able to meet the customer and discuss requirements instead of just being given the specification.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I felt I was treated as an employee and not just as a student. The application I was rewriting is heavily used in the company and people appreciated the work I put in and functionality I introduced.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

If I needed it I got it, alI had to do was ask. Most of the time I tried to solve the problem alone with research.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

There was always work to do as the scope for the project is so big however I did set my own release deadlines and what functionality would be included. The student that replaces me will carry on with developing the application.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

It was my responsibility to create meetings to gather feedback and specifications as well as to set release dates and deadlines. I was heavily involved in the design process alongside my supervisor and my opinions were valued.

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

I have a lot more experience in developing with Java and I learnt to use Eclipse IDE and XML whilst on my placement. Both of these will be incredibly useful in future employment and potentially for my dissertation. I also developed softer skills by giving presentations and conducting meetings

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

Occasional banter. Average office setting really.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

From applying to arriving there were no hiccups or problems. Placement students have staggered starts so there seems to be time to get everybody introduced and settled in properly.

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 inductions and diversity training as far as job specific training there were no courses for that. Instead most of it was self development using new Java techniques with guidance and suggestyions from my supervisor and co-workers.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

• Subsidised Canteen
• Sports and Social Club
• Subsidised/Company Gym
• Company Parties/Events
• Above 25 days holiday

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Very appealing. I will certainly be looking out for a graduate scheme here.

Other Information

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

There were plenty of placement students, graduates and grads from previous years who sent email invites and arranged nights out or activities such as karting.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I live a short drive away in my own home however from what the other students paid I don't think it's a terribly expensive place to live.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Huddersfield has a variety of clubs and bars and Leeds is only a short train ride away.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Almost every week there were emails asking for volunteers for community actions projects. These include conducting mock interviews at high schools, cleaning up river banks and chaperoning canal boat rides.

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've really enjoyed my placement and would recommend the companies placement scheme without hesitation.

Review 86/94 for Cummins

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