Research and Advanced Engineering Placement Review

by Caterpillar

This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.

Rating

3.8/5
  • The Role
    4.0
  • The Company
    4.0
  • The Culture
    3.3

    The Role

  • 1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?

    • My placement was very versatile as I got to spent time with 2 different teams. In my first 6 months I was working as part of the Validation team where I managed various Engine Validation projects. In the second 6 months I was in the Research team where I was doing Engine and Machine modelling and simulation. Both placements were really valuable and I thoroughly enjoyed my placement at Caterpillar.

    5/5
  • 2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?

    • Placements students are given real work as soon as they start the placement. I was involved in many cost reduction programme and strongly felt that I added value to the team and the company as a whole.

    4/5
  • 3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?

    • Everyone is very friendly and helpful. Supervisors listen to your needs and answer all your questions.

    4/5
  • 4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

    • Varies depending on project and team. Some days you could be really busy, for example in project management roles you are more likely to be busy than in a modelling and simulation environment.

    4/5
  • 5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?

    • I was given full ownership of many validation projects. I was the first point of contact. The amount of responsibility in a modelling and simulation environment depends on your capability.

    4/5
  • 6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?

    • I have developed many transferrable skills such as communication, project management and technical data analysis. I believe I can take away the analysis, modelling and simulation skills to be used at university in my post graduate degree.

    4/5

    The Company

  • 7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

    • Office always lively, lots of cakes and food around most days. People are very friendly and always happy to help.

    4/5
  • 8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?

    • Very organised. Very happy overall.

    4/5
  • 9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?

    • The company invests a lot of money and time in the Placement study. We were given multiple trainings and courses such as Engine Appreciation, Machine Appreciation, Simulated Work Environment and 6 sigma.

    4/5
  • 10. What were the perks on your work placement?

    • Flexi Time

    Company Parties/Events

    Staff Sales/Staff Shop

    Working from home
    4/5
  • 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?

    • Very Likely

    4/5

    The Culture

  • 12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?

    • Yes, many social and sport activities.

    4/5
  • 13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?

    • Fair prices. Not too expensive.

    4/5
  • 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?

    • Not great.

    3/5
  • 15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?

    • Gyms and other sporting activities are available outside work. Greyhound racing, Golf Driving ranges and other fun activities are available in the Peterborough area.

    3/5
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Details

Placement (10 Months+)

East of England

April 2017

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