Undergraduate Engineer Review

I found the work to be both interesting and enjoyable as I got to work on specialised projects that I wouldn't have been able to work on anywhere else.

From the start I was treated as a regular member of staff. Whilst I was there to learn, I was also able to help my colleagues and formed mutually beneficial relationships with them.

I received as much help as I asked for from my supervisors and other project team members. I was also invited to talk to one of the people managers on multiple occasions to ensure I was getting the most out of my placement.

Whilst there was the odd slow day near the start of my placement, once I was assigned to a project I had plenty of work available to me and If I finished a task, I knew there was always something else that I could do.

I was given the opportunity to oversee one project in a project management role which involved being responsible for planning what work had to be completed, setting deadlines and consulting with engineers to answer any queries that they had and to ensure that they were able to complete their work on time. On a second project, as an engineer, I was given the responsibility of developing aspects of some software to meet customer requirements and deadlines.

I was able to gain a wide range of technical skills and knowledge of various technologies that I would otherwise not have had the opportunity learn whilst at university. These will aid me in my final year of university and help me in the workplace once I have graduated.

Whilst people were constantly working towards deadlines, the general atmosphere was a relaxed one. People were friendly and open to conversation whilst they worked. Everyone there was passionate about what they do and the enthusiasm made it feel less like work.

Whilst the first couple of months of my placement had been organised in advance, the rest of the year was based on what work was available that suited my skillset.

I was given access to several technology specific online training resources and was able to pick up new skills from colleagues whilst working. I was, however, unable to gain a place on any internal training courses.

I was offered a place on their graduate development programme and will definitely consider returning.

The company has its own sports and social club which runs many activities., there's an onsite bar which opens on Friday lunch times for people to have a drink and socialise and the Christmas party was an entertaining evening for all that attended.

The company is based in Romsey which is a small village, however, many employees (including myself) lived in Southampton which is very student friendly with lots of pubs, bars, cinemas and other social venues. Living in the city did mean that the majority of my pay was spent on rent though.

Again, Romsey is a small village and so there is not much of a nightlife. Southampton, however, has two universities and so has a very active nightlife.

The sports and social club runs many activities outside of working hours, there is an onsite gym which employees can use for a discounted membership fee and the company runs several social events including bonfire night, a Christmas party and a summer music festival.