Summer Intern Review

I had an excellent time on my internship because it was particularly well structured. The work for me to do was suitable for my level and also offered a challenge and I was given the chance to work on an internationally renowned project, and experience many elements of being an engineer in day to day life.

I felt very happy to ask questions whenever I had a problem or a query about my work, even if it was clear that the questions might be deemed a bit stupid. My supervisor was always on hand to offer advice and give up her time to ensure that I understood my work and role within the team completely.

The part of the design that I was working on was perfectly timed for my 8 week placement. I was able to get on with it in my own time without requiring to be guided in the right direction each day or having to ask what work I should be doing.

I was given a fair amount of responsibility during my placement. The task was outlined to me and then I was left on my own to come up with a solution, with the opportunity to ask for help. In the end the work that I completed will most likely be used in the final design which gives a real sense of achievement.

I was able to reinforce skills learnt in lectures which is nice because it is often fairly hard to see their real world applications. I also learnt about the running of the company and the business as a whole and an appreciation for how a very large scale project pans out in real time.

The atmosphere was very relaxed with all grades of employees sitting together. As a placement student I was hot desking so got to meet a number of people in the office. People were always moving around to talk to other people in separate departments which added to a dynamic feel.

It was organised early in the year which allowed ample time to sort out accommodation and other necessary plans. There was good communication between the company prior to starting the placement so going in I was confident. During the placement there were a number of occasions where I was checked up to to see if I was happy.

There was a good social scene amongst the interns due there being several there at anyone time. We always ate lunch together in the canteen and after work would have a group social activity a couple if times a week, and then sometimes weekend excursions were also planned with interns from across the office..

The cost was fairly expensive as this was in central London. For example a pint would normally cost upwards of £4.50. The lunchtime options (if not eating in the canteen) surrounding the office were not completely outrageously priced and you could get a lunch for £6 (e.g. a pizza). There were also a number of free events, e.g. comedy shows and late nights at the museums.

The nightlife was pretty good as it was central London. There were a number of bars and shows that were within walking distance of the office. It was also possible to get the tube or the bus if you wanted to go a bit further out of town to go to a different type of club.