Software Test Engineer Review

My placement at Mentor Graphics was very valuable and I definitely learned a lot. The work itself was enjoyable as it was challenging and engaging.

As an intern here, you are definitely valued by the rest of your colleagues. The interns at Mentor Graphics are given tasks that are important and that full time employees also do, so you feel as if you are making a difference within the office. You are treated no differently than a normal member of staff. You feel encouraged to give your input and your opinion definitely matters.

Working as an intern at Mentor Graphics, your ability is never underestimated, and the work is challenging. However, the management here and your supervisors never forget that you have not completed your full degree, and the focus here is that this is mainly a learning experience for you. For this reason, we are encouraged to always ask questions or speak up if we need help, and we will be supported by someone with expert knowledge who can answer us easily.

As we are working in a software environment, everyone in the office is periodically busy when leading up to a release to the public. The interns do a lot to help aid the release. On a day to day basis, the interns have a good amount of work to be doing, and the work is varied. There are monthly meetings with supervisors to ensure that the level of work we are getting is suitable and that we are neither bored nor too busy.

As I've mentioned, the tasks the interns are given are real tasks - there were not many 'training' tasks, which I liked because from the very beginning of the placement you are doing work that matters within the company. We were also encouraged towards some independent work, and we were responsible for how we wanted to manage our time.

I think the skills learned during my time as an intern at Mentor Graphics will definitely help me with my university studies, as I am now well versed in engineering theory, as well as industry applications of these theories. As well as this, I have gained some more practical skills that can help me beyond university, such as communication and teamwork.

The general atmosphere is casual and friendly, and there is an openness within the office. Because of this, we are encouraged to approach anyone for help, regardless of their hierarchy within the company. The main focus in the office is on hard work, efficiency and delivering a high quality product.

The internship program at Mentor Graphics has been running for quite a few years now, so the process was quite smooth. I enjoyed the fact that the old interns train the new interns in their last month of placement - this was valuable on either side. It meant that we knew exactly what our jobs would entail and removed any nerves we may have had at the beginning of the placement.

Colleagues often did presentations or workshops in areas that they were experts in. These were open to anyone that was interested in learning about that topic, and were very useful. As well as this, using licenses provided by the company, interns are able to take a few hours to do online training courses if supervisors agree it is a worthwhile activity.

The company are definitely open to offering another placement if a position can be found for you. If a full time position opens, applicants that have previously completed an internship are definitely looked upon favourably. Previous already know the product well so there is less uncertainty, and you are known by everyone in the office so they would welcome you back.

Lunchtimes were the main opportunity for socialisation in the office, and it is perfectly acceptable to strike up conversation with any of your colleagues.

Average costs.

There were a few things to do, but not much as it was quite a small village. However, it was a short bus ride or drive to the nearest city.

Mentor Graphics did, throughout the year, offer events for the whole office, including the interns. These were completely free for the employees to attend and were a good opportunity to see colleagues and socialise with them outside of the office. Amongst ourselves, the interns did organise lunches/dinner for special occasions.