Summer placement Review

Really enjoyed it! I was limited due to security issues, but was able to work on unclassified issues that I feel is still valued. The tasks were stimulating and interesting and I feel like ive actually learnt a lot abou the topics I was studying and researching. Having seen parts of what other people are doing it all seems like I will enjoy It when I get proper clearance.

Very actually. I first felt like this wouldn't be the case due to not having as much experience as many others here, but I was given responsibilities and allowed to work at my own pace. This respect made me feel more comfortable and I made friends in my office comfortably. The tasks I was given were of reasonable importance and I was set to work on official business.

Enough. I had free reign over the work I was doing and it was largely self explanatory but whenever I had a problem someone would be available to help. However large amounts of the induction process are simply filled out by looking at online forms. Perhaps this could be improved as it felt like I was disconnected for the first few days.

Plenty busy. I haven't felt a huge amount of time pressure at this moment but I have been given an ample amount of work to do. On the first day there was a 3 hour period before I can begin the induction process which was admittedly painful as I had nothing to do. since then it hasn't happened as I have been given 2 long term jobs. Also there has been a significant implied future jobs so I look forward to those too.

Absolutely loads. I have been able to manage my own time as I work on the projects I have been given. One is just my own but the other I work with one other guy. He has simply offloaded one half of the work on me and told me to get on with it. It feels great choosing between the projects on a daily basis and I really feel like I am my own boss here. Im not sure how that will continue once I progress on to more urgent tasks but I feel like its great right now

MY work has been largely research focused and I have been given access to new resources that perhaps I would not have seen other wise . This research should help me when I go back to uni as it is a core part of learning while there. Ive also learnt a bit about electronics and IP addresses, but this may not be of such use. I feel it will once I get back to work though.

I was given a lot of training in various basic stuff. Fire training, manual handling and health safety. This was as boring as it sounds but was necessary. You see next year the training will still be in date which means that when I return to the office for my next placement I will be fully trained already which means I will be able to get straight back into work. There was an element of personal development and networking involved in this as well.

DSTL Fort Halstead is set far enough away from anything significant that it can maintain its secrecy. Its not a place for mad nights out. However I have heard that it is possible in nearby towns. As a plus there is a nearby harvester so I guess that's gets pretty crazy late at night.