YINI Student Review

The placement was very fun, the work was fairly interesting and varied so I was never bored and was able to participate in work trips and equipment testing. The placement year was further boosted by the fact that the company put all new starters and students in touch with each other to boost the social aspect.

My colleagues trust me to work independently and rely on my analysis without checking it, as they know I have checked it thoroughly. I am allowed to supervise projects as well as work independently on my own projects. Colleagues frequently use my input and ask for my input in order to solve problems because they know I will have a valid opinion.

My manager is very supportive. I have frequently gone to him for advice and help. He helps me with any sponsorship discussions and further help with what to expect at university. He also allows me to go on trips and to witness military exercises. Any time I need advice he will be very willing to help.

I always had plenty of work to do on a daily basis. Once I finished my work there is always more to do, as the projects are constantly on-going, so I am never left with nothing to do. Despite this, the deadlines are not too strict so I was never under pressure to finish my work too quickly, and could always get it done when necessary.

I was mostly given work and then left to my own devices, my results were trusted and the work I was doing was essential to the project. However I was never simply put in charge of a problem and left to solve it, it was more proof of theories and concepts. Therefore I was left to prove other peoples' ideas, not to come up with my own.

Before I started my placement, I had no programming experience. Since my work is primarily MatLab, I have become very adept at it. I know that I will be using MatLab in my degree course next year so this experience will be invaluable. I have also gained key teamwork skills as well as skills to work independently and to reach deadlines and targets.

The atmosphere was hard working yet friendly. There were no problems with talking and discussions were frequent. You were by no means required to take part, and often you could just work if you had things you needed to do. However there was never a dull moment and cake and biscuits were frequently brought in by people.

The placement was very well set up. I took over from the previous student. Since they have a pretty much constant revolving door of students they know what they are doing and how to treat the students. We were given our introductions fairly quickly and put to work once everything was explained.

Work put everyone in contact, so everyone got to know each other very well. A few activities were organised within work but often the students and graduates would go out as organised through their own devices. Even if there wasn't anything big on, there would always be something to do, even if it was just a pub trip.

The nightlife in my town only consisted of four pubs, this was fine for the occasional Friday night but nothing special. There are clubs fairly close in the neighbouring town, but we only visited it once as it wasn't really worth returning to. Obviously London is fairly close so that was always an option, as were fairly frequent house parties.