Electronics Hardware engineer Review

The company has a friendly and relaxed environment while being professional and work focussed. I found this made it easy to quickly fit in and ask for help/assistance from any member of staff. I feel I have gained valuable experience in product development and testing during my time on the placement and been able to apply some of the more challenging concepts from my course in real world scenarios.

I have been lucky enough to work on a wide range of products and have worked for/with a number of different members of the company. I believe that my work has been valued by the positive feedback I have received. I have been part of the weekly team meetings and asked to discuss my previous and future work which has really made me feel involved with the company.

I've had monthly reviews with my line manager, where I have been given the opportunity to discuss/feedback my experience directly to him. The reviews have also given me the opportunity to suggest particular areas that I am interested in working in, for instance, focussing on more design work etc. My manager takes a lot of time to very clearly explain the work to be carried out and normally explains concepts or history associated with the work to ensure that I learn as much as possible about what I am doing.

I have been kept very busy, often with multiple projects or tasks running concurrently. This has been perfect because it has enabled me to demonstrate my organisational skills and prioritise where necessary. I don't generally feel rushed on tasks because the emphasis has been on ensuring very high quality work is completed, rather than rushing out work just to get it done. Due to this, I haven't felt overwhelmed or that I've not had the opportunity to do my best on the tasks I've had.

I have been responsible for testing and verifying that products meet the requirements for certification of 'Digital Tick', European EUP power supply emissions requirements, peak current analysis - to ensure that products and power supply's are acceptable, and designing, ordering parts for, and building test equipment. On completion of such tasks I am also responsible for writing reports and adding these to the companies folders, so that my results may be used for future analysis. I feel that I have been given a level of responsibility that has made me feel like I am completing important and valuable work.

I have learnt how to use software packages that I will certainly use for my final year project and possibly for other reports/assignments. In addition to this I have learnt how to design and order PCB's and again, this will be very useful for my degree and the future. I have also been taught how to rework SMD technology and this is something that I haven't/wouldn't have learnt otherwise, but will certainly prove valuable in the future.

The general atmosphere in the office is quiet and professional - work focussed. But at the same time everyone in the company uses first names and it feels very friendly and relaxed. It is normal to have a brief chat in the kitchen or corridor, just to say hello and catch up on what each other are working on. The lab also has a good environment and as a placement student I have often found myself learning lots from colleagues in the lab that will take the time to stop and show me what they are working on just for my own interest and benefit.

From the inclusion into the social club, regular meetings/networking with other placement students, monthly reviews, and starter pack etc., I would say that the whole placement has felt very well organised. I was even paid expenses and given a pack including places of residence during the interview! Clearly, Imagination Technologies value their employees well being and this is extended to placement students too.

I was given individual projects to design and build which each came with an associated budget. This enabled me to develop my design and verification skills. In addition to this, a number of staff members have given their time to explain and teach me about various processes and methods that the company uses.

I am very interested in working with the company in the future. I found the work very enjoyable and exactly the field that I am most interested in. I found the organisation very pleasant and plenty of socialising and extra activities to enable networking. I would have to relocate to work for the company but I would be happy to do this based on my experiences with the company so far.

Excellent opportunities to socialise including a sports and social club that costs £2 a month to join (paid directly from your salary). the club gives 50% discount on activities including Go Ape, theatre trips, cinema (including a pop-up film night in the canteen), hackathon events, wine tasting, go karting... the list goes on! In addition to this, the company has 10 regular sports events that you can participate in on an as and when basis. As an intern, there are organised activities for students which encourage networking and socialising in and out of the company.

The company is based near London so the cost of housing is generally high. The company does offer a list of accommodation recommendations in the area which are a little cheaper and also has an email sharing scheme for house sharing which you can join if you wish. The canteen is subsidised and there are plenty of cheap supermarkets in the area. Eating out is quite expensive in the area but again pubs and restaurants vary depending on where you travel to.

There are a number of larger towns and Cities in the area and London is in fairly each reach by train or bus so there are plenty of opportunities for nightlife. The exact location of the company is in a small sleepy village so there's not loads to do in the immediate location, although there are two good pubs nearby.

A social and sports club that costs £2 a month to join (paid directly from your salary) enables members to attend theatre trips, cinema (pop-up film night in canteen), and about 10 regular sporting activities as well as wine tasting trips, go karting, go ape etc.