Structural Analyst Review

I really enjoyed my placement. More than I thought I would.

I felt very much a part of my team. With social outings and activities outside of work occurring at least twice a month that we all took part in.

I have run into many, many challenges over the year and I have had help from my supervisor everytime. Occasionally the whole team would make time to help when extra help was needed.

I had a big say in the amount of work I took on, so I was able to balance my work accordingly. When I have high priority projects I would focus solely on that. Other times when I had no priority projects I could work 2 or 3 simultaneously.

The projects that were assigned to me were completed entirely by me. With help when needed, but I took full responsibility for the work and reaching the deadlines. I knew that Cummins placement gives a lot of responsibility to the placement students and this was a big factor as to why I chose to work here.

My placement was very technical, so in terms of assisting me in my degree studies, it helped a lot. using everything I had learned so far on a daily basis has reinforced the knowledge and in most cases even furthered my understanding of topics.

(Strange star review since 10 means fun which sounds unprofessional) However, the atmosphere was amazing. Very chilled, you are able to do your work in peace with earphones in, out, temperature controlled room and the occasional team 5 minute chats when you all need a breather from work. Very chilled but professional atmosphere.

From about the 2nd week onwards I pretty much felt like I had been part of the team for ages. After getting all set up and trainings out of the way, you get straight into work and one to ones with your supervisor where your goals and progression are discussed, what they expect from you and what you expect from them, whether you want to do something specific workwise or are happy to do a bit of everything etc.

Again, I was sent on many training days with external companies a lot of the time the software companies so that I can get expensive training for free whilst on placement. I took part in many extra training days courtesy of my manager who paid all expenses, and anything I wanted training in or for, was usually arranged as long as it was feasible. Training and developed was always encouraged and I did not have to chase for it.

They are quite appealing, given I have made connections now with colleagues and have the opportunity to return after placement either to the same location or other locations.

The placement students were very much involved together. Eating at lunch together, in most cases living with eachother too. And social activities weekly.

I lived right near work so it wasn't expensive for me at all!

I am not into nightlife so this really didn't bother me. But the town I lived in has 2 clubs both of which I have heard are not particularly great. Most students went out in their respective locations which was not very far from where I lived, but again, I had no interest.

Yes, community activities and sports activities mainly, but you need to find out for yourself in most cases.