Summer student Review

I feel like I enjoyed my placement a lot. The company I worked for are fantastic and value their employees, the office was brand new and a great environment to work in and everyone was friendly, welcoming and more than willing to help. The work I was given was interesting and challenging, and gave me a great insight in to the section of industry I was working in.

I feel I was very welcomed by my colleagues. In a large office it is hard to get to know everyone well, however the colleagues in my particular 'section' however have been great, and have tracked how I have been getting on and have even welcomed me in out-of-office social occasions which I was very happy about.

If I ever had a problem or issue I had to ask a colleague for help and guidance, I have never been approached by my manager/supervisor to see/ask how I was getting on, I assume they have assumed that I am capable enough to be left on my own. Saying that I would appreciate a bit more 'support' however like I said, they were more than willing to help if I asked for it.

I always had something to do or work on, which was great. At times on other placements there was a struggle to find work for me to do however, at Atkins I have always been busy and never sat twiddling my thumbs. The work that has been given to me was not tidbits either, but substantial tasks which required my full attention.

I was given a fairly surprising amount of responsibility for some of the tasks I was given, so much so that my work and/or decisions would directly affect the end result. At times I felt maybe it was a bit unfair to leave such a role to a summer placement student, however I embraced the challenge and enjoyed having some sort of agency over design decisions. It felt like I was part of the process rather than standing on the side-lines, plus it gave me more experience of the type of work I want to do in the future.

I feel I have learned a lot - especially in regards to mechanical design, as the work I was doing was geared towards classical mechanical design aspects. Also my CAE skills have been developed greatly, from being able to create 'geometry' to producing a model complete with information for manufacture. Upon starting I received an intensive starter training schedule which included radiological protection and construction design management training, which is far more than I have received at any other placement. So far I have received no assistance in my degree studies.

The general atmosphere in the office was quiet and focussed. Everyone seemed to be busy and caught up in there work. There was always conversations happening whether that was between clients or colleagues so the office just had a general calm, focussed and busy atmosphere. It was a much larger office than what I had been used to, but I appreciated the fact that even though it was a larger office, I could still concentrate and feel at ease.

Apart from the initial starter induction and training modules there did not seem to be any structured plan for me beyond that. However I was already used to this, such was the nature of the type of company and work they do. You pretty much get given whatever they can give you at the time, sometimes that is not a lot, sometimes is it significant. The nature of my Atkins placement at the office I was situated meant all the work was one-off bespoke jobs, so that 'hit or miss' aspect of the workload is further exacerbated. In regards to the application and on-boarding process, it was very well organised and I appreciated how it almost felt like I was going straight into a job.

Apart from the initial on-boarding and training modules there has been no further training/development offered to me. I am assuming the work I am doing is contributing to my professional development down the line, and the learning on the job is constituting as personal training.

I would say employment with Atkins in the future would be very appealing, I like the culture, the brand, the people and the type of work they do. I like the way the company treats their employees. I like how there would be multiple avenues across the business to work in and the opportunities that would provide. I think I would do very well to gain future employment with Atkins.

Yes there was depending on what you like. A few of my colleagues are in to their mountain biking, which I am mad for, so I was instantly welcomed into that scene. Social events were common within the office/company so there was always opportunities to get to know your colleagues outside of work. One of my colleagues had set up and external social club for graduates around the entire area. There was a lot going on.

The area I worked in had a below average cost of living. I was living off roughly £300 per month, rent was £300 per month. Food, drink and fuel was cheaper than what I was used to. Even cinema, swimming pool, gyms were cheaper as well. I was pleasantly surprised and enjoyed paying £2.50 for a pint as standard, whereas back home I would pay £1 per pint more.

Nightlife was good for a small-ish town. Plenty of pubs, all had character and were cheap. There were also fancier bars and more disco/bar-come club venues as well. Plenty of karaoke if that is your thing. The town is usually bustling Fri-Sat-Sun otherwise it is quiet. No real proper nightclub, or anything for students (it is not a student town). But if you enjoy pub-crawling, pints and pool then you will be happy.

Being a coastal town in West Cumbria , sandwiched between the Irish Sea and the Lake District, the area was what you made of it. Carlisle is an hour and a half drive away, Glasgow/Manchester 2.5 hours. If you love the outdoors like me then you are spoiled. Lake District is half an hours drive, 45 mins to Keswick. The LD is a haven for hikers, mountain bikers, kayaking, canoeing, cycling, climbing, anything outdoors-y so if that's your bag you will never be bored. The office had a graduate forum encompassing other companies in the area which would organise events throughout the year which I was invited to. This included walks, beer festivals, go-karting, etc. I joined a local gym, there is football, rugby (union & league) clubs you can join. There is plenty of things so take part in.