Engineering Intern Review

An annual internship gives you the opportunity to familiarise with the work and colleagues as well as enjoy your time; something that cannot be experienced that much from a 3-month internship. The overall working experience was nice with plenty of events and days-off the office for social events and trainings

Despite the age difference with the majority of the work colleagues (over 20 years) they were always trying to be helpful and approachable and always suggested to ask if I am not sure of something. Having a young engineer in the office, they were trying to help me get a quick appreciation of the day-to-day work.

My line manager was always helpful and happy to solve any problems or difficulties arose regarding my placement however, due to the the fact that the site had limited experience with internships and graduates sometimes my manager didn't know what to do with me.

In the beginning I was spending a significant amount of time on inductions and online training regarding security and siemens intranet. The job nature requires a lot of documentation and approvals therefore there were days that I couldn't do much because I was expecting email approvals. I would say that an intern is involved with various tasks and hence, the day-to-day work job is not always first priority.

Due to the nature of the technical work, the work I was responsibility for were mainly non-safety related engineering "cases" although I was part of other safety-related technical issues supporting my colleagues. Another reason for less responsibility is the fact that Siemens has many procedures and guidelines to follow that needs time and effort to familiarize with.

Siemens internship scheme includes training days that they are organized by the Siemens learning campus and they are e.g IOSH working safety, Business influencing awareness skills (including presentation skills) and business overview. Additional technical training sometimes suggested from managers especially when it is required for day-to-day job. Finally, there are career planning sessions to help with further career steps.

Everyone was helpful and happy to advise however, we had a few negativities that I believe that was because of the lack of young blood and motivation to work since the average office age. But generally, we had the radio turned on on a daily basis and there was an easy to work environment; sometimes radio was a bit annoying to concentrate.

Unlike the gradate scheme, the internship is requested by line managers and it is their responsibility to keep you busy although, there is a generic scheme guidance with career planning & team building events, technical or other training and corporate social responsibility events that had to be done as part of the scheme. We also had a business trip to Vienna for 3 days! But generally, the manager has to have a work plan in place which was not totally my case. In terms of the Siemens corporate guidance the scheme was perfect!

Siemens was always happy to support with personal development trainings and there were many advertised sessions but again managers decide whether you can sign up for one. In general, graduates have greater opportunities for personal development.

As long as you have been Siemens once then future employment prospects are great if you are happy to travel or leave in another location. HR is happy to transfer you from rail systems to energy but this is more often for managers than technical engineers.

Cost of living was affordable but I didn't have many opportunities to socialise through my job since I was the only intern/graduate.