Simulation and Modelling Undergraduate Review

I really enjoyed my undergraduate work placement at MBDA. Not only did I manage a good work, life balance but I was exposed to working in an engineering company like MBDA. I was given many training opportunities and had a lot of on the job training throughout my year at MBDA.

At MBDA, there was never a time where I really felt like an undergraduate. I was treated like another college and was given work for which there were deadlines for. My work was checked and implemented through the same procedures as everyone else. The work which I completed made me feel that I was a valued member of my project team.

During my placement I was always in close proximity with my supervisors. They were always happy to answer any questions that I had and would try and ask regularly if I was comfortable with what I was doing and if I needed any help. I was also given support in any other extra activities I was taken part in.

During my placement, my work flow went up and down. Personally I am person who always likes to be busy and for the majority of time I had a lot of work to complete. However at times I found myself looking for work to do and I had to ask around to see if anyone required any help.

Throughout the year my responsibilities grew. Initially I was only given small tasks to complete which were checked by colleges, however as my placement went on and I become more confident and experienced in what I was completing, I was given the same sort of tasks which my colleges were receiving and which would be reviewed by external sources.

At the start of my placement, I took part in a week long training exercise. This training course helped me develop my competencies and general work life skills. However the most useful training I received was the on the job training I experienced on MATLAB. MATLAB is a major part of my degree and u feel that I have now become very experienced in using it.

The atmosphere in the office was always very friendly and comfortable. I felt that I could talk to all of my colleges and always ask them a question if I was stuck or had a problem. I was able to talk socially and professionally with my peers and never felt that I was under strict instructions.

The Placement was very well set up which started with compulsory training initially and then the department would organise the training and work for the rest of the placement. I was given the opportunity to have two 6 months placement which gave me exposure of the company and the different projects we were working on.

As an undergrad, the basic personal training was available. It started with a interaction week where we completed group tasks and competency based activities. Other training was provided for grads and apprentices but as they would look you to come back on a grad scheme afterwards, they don't give you this training now as they see it would be a waste completing it twice.

MBDA is currently a growing company and is taking on lots of grads and undergrads. I feel that it would be easy to come back and work here although currently it seems the company aren't that good at promoting people up the ladder. However there is a lot of investment going into this problem and MBDA is currently an aging workforce meaning there shall be lots of opportunities in the future.

The social scene at MBDA between the grads/undergrads was better then I could of ever expected. We would socialise a few times a week from going to the movies, to playing poker and going on nights out. We have all become great friends and with flexi time we were able to be more flexible with the events we made.

For me, I lived at home for the year and hence cannot comment on the cost of living throughout my placement year. However the prices involved with socialising were very reasonable. You were able to collect discounts through work for the cinema or for surrounding restaurants which made social occasions cheaper.

Stevenage/Hitchin is not normally known for its good night clubs. However there were many bars (including spoons) which served cheap drinks and stayed open late which allowed a good atmosphere and a nice place to socialise with work colleges throughout the year. The nightclubs which were available still wern't the worst in the world.

The company has many sports clubs which are easy to get involved with. I initially joined the climbing club were I got to meet some nice people and go on trips. I then played a part in the companies football and cricket tournaments where different departments would play against each other.