Mechanical Engineer Review

Thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to take part in the design of highly complex warships, and assist with their delivery to the MoD. I found the work very interesting and I relished the opportunity to find out what a career in engineering would involve, after studying it for 4 years at university. The work was varied throughout.

My colleagues gave me valuable work to do which they required to be completed in quick time, and trusted me to complete it largely under my own steam. Was allowed to answer queries from both suppliers and customers involving the product design, which allowed me to develop my soft skills as well as engineering skills.

Although I entered the team at a hectic time for them, they were usually available for questions regarding my current tasks. Every time I was given a new task to complete a colleague would take me through the process of completing it to ensure I understood and was able to complete the task effectively.

Had plenty of work to do for the most part, keeping at a good level of workload but not being rushed of my feet. As I joined the team at a crucial stage of their timeline, conducting final manufacture and testing of the first ship of its class there was always plenty of work of a varied nature.

Was allowed to complete tasks largely by myself, and was given tasks such as submitting evidence to the customer to prove the contractual requirements had been met, conducting computer modelling in parallel with hand calculations to design systems and contacting suppliers for necessary documentation. Usually I would pass my work onto a colleague to be checked upon completion.

After completing 4 years of university and gaining plenty of theoretical knowledge, it was fantastic to finally be able to apply it in a practical, real world setting. As well as classical engineering skills learnt at university I was able to further develop soft skills such as teamwork, communication and networking. Working for BAE has given me confidence for my final year of university as well as beyond.

Everyone, both colleagues and management, were able to join in with the office banter and although we were always hard at work there was always fun going on! Everyone was extremely welcoming and I felt I was able to approach anyone in the office if I had an issue or needed advice.

The initial induction was fantastically set up- run by people on the graduate scheme who had recently joined the business themselves hence knew the sort of information and induction that would be most helpful to us. The only issue was the time it took to get set up on a lot of the IT systems, it impacted the work I could undertake during my first couple of weeks.

In terms of certified or official training, as a summer intern I did not receive any however I understand that for interns undertaking a year long placement they receive plenty of certified training. I personally was happy with the unofficial training I received from colleagues within my team regarding specific systems used in the office.

Unsure at time of writing as I still have a couple of weeks to go for my placement, however I understand that if your end of placement review with your manager is favourable then future employment prospects are good. All going to plan I would hope to apply again to the company after I finish my degree.

All the placement students were always making plans, and as we were situated in Glasgow during the summer there was always something going on. People on the graduate scheme also included us in their social plans meaning you never had to worry about plans.

Depending on your personal taste their was somewhere for any price range or budget. Rent was relatively cheap if you looked hard enough and necessities were also as cheap as could be expected. The pay from the internship more than covered all living costs in the area, and I came out the other side with a good amount left over.

Being situated in Glasgow there is plenty of nightlife, again catering to all tastes and price ranges! There are hundreds of bars and nightclubs suiting everyone's tastes, as well as other things such as casino's etc. I personally really enjoyed my time in Glasgow, and would recommend it to anyone.

In terms of company organised schemes there was little going on, however many members of staff took it upon themselves to organise activities for all and as such there was enough variety to make anyone interested. There were things such as organised 5 a side football leagues that personally interested me, however there were many more I was not aware of.