Research and Development Engineer Review

I enjoyed my placement. Initially the change was very different to university lifestyle -early starts and early finishes. I enjoyed getting into the technical specifics as I had never had a job before that relied so heavily on technical expertise. I also found it incredibly satisfying completing a project which I led.

Within a week I was providing data and support to engineers involved in real ongoing projects. I was relied on to meet deadlines for procurement in the development process in a new engine program. I was included in all the team social activities including lunches and golf events. I at no point ever felt like I was less valuable than anyone else in the team.

Regular one to one sessions with my team manager and placement manager meant I could discuss anything that came up. It also allowed me to discuss how I'm getting on, managing my work and progression into my next placement. We also held regular monthly placement meetings with other placement students in my intake.

Generally busy, with plenty of side projects to fill gaps between large projects. If I ran out then there would always be more work available with varying lengths. The team I was placed in had a large number of people, each performing different roles that were equally important. I chaired and attended a number of different meetings daily around these different functions.

I was given the same amount of responsibility and work load as a new graduate, which was more than I imagined. They do not have time to check your work and trust you to do it correctly the first time. You are responsible for your own timekeeping and trusted to remain professional. If you want to leave early using flex time you are trusted that you will make up the time when you see best.

I have learnt much better time management skills; how to get more out of the day. I have also improved the basic skills I thought I was good at like Microsoft Office. This will help me with report and technical writing. I have also learnt how to use specific scientific simulation software that has increased my knowledge in that area but was broad enough to be transferable to a future workplace.

The office is a large building, everyone has deadlines and ongoing projects. Between teams there was limited interaction but within the team it was a very friendly atmosphere. Cakes and treats are a regular occurrence to celebrate birthdays or just about anything else. There are plenty of charity events and fayres that go on throughout the year where everyone is invited.

From application through to assessment centre and induction the process was seamless, the recruitment team were always available to call or email. Once offered a position there was the n an organised meet and greet day where we were able to network with other undergraduates and graduates. After 6 months we were moved to a new position where we could expand our skills at something different. This was well organised so the people from systems moved to component and vice versa.

Initially there were all the mandatory training programs, including basic lean production theory where the company introduced thinking in order to reduce waste. Later on we had the opportunity to attend a more in depth training session where these principles were expanded one. Various online training was given to give a broader understanding of various legal and security processes that must be followed to protect ourselves and the company.

There were generally social events organised by the Young Professionals UK division every week. These included all the placement students, graduates and ex-graduates. There were a range of different events on from going to the local greyhound races to pub quizzes and car treasure hunts as well as various weekly sporting clubs.

Peterborough is cheaper than a university city. Rent varied from £55 a week unfurnished without bills to £80 a week furnished with bills. Plenty of supermarkets ranging from Waitrose to Aldi. Petrol is generally more expensive than other areas. East to West public transport and roads are generally poor. However North to South are very good with cheap Virgin trains to London.