This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.
Rating
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The Role
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The Company
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The Culture
- 1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?
- 2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?
- 3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?
- 4. How busy were you on a daily basis?
- 5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?
- 6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
- 7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?
- 8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?
- 9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
- 10. What were the perks on your work placement?
- 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?
- 12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?
- 13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?
- 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?
- 15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?
The Role
The internship was great. Every day was really varied, with a very welcoming team, both at my main place of work and whenever visiting other sites.
It wasn't just my line managers and supervisors that consulted me - other team members would ask for my opinion on matters, which made me feel highly valued.
The mixed-disciplinary team could impart valuable advice and knowledge on almost any questions asked. It must be noted however that while guidance was given, developing independence was encouraged.
Once set up with IT and PPE, I was busy most days, as I was working on 'real' tasks that needed completing. This would vary somewhat, due to pinch points in the programme, but I never felt out of my depth.
A great deal of responsibility was given to me throughout the internship from as early as the first week. The analyses I was contributing to could lead to six-figure savings through proof of compliance for existing assets. Working on these felt fantastic.
Unfortunately there were not many training sessions I could attend during my placement, but the skills gained from day-to-day were invaluable, in particular analysing data, interpersonal skills, and showing initiative.
The Company
Due to the people in the office being placed at multiple sites, sometimes the office was quite empty (especially on Fridays), which did make it a bit dull. Whenever there was a lot of people present it was a good laugh though, with people bringing in treats and exercise challenges for example.
I did not know where I was going to be based until not long before I started, which made looking into accommodation difficult. Also, my supervisor was not aware of an incoming intern, which meant for the first couple of weeks there was not a lot to do.
There are a lot of training schemes offered that you can book onto, although not many of interest were available during my tenure. However, several events were hosted at formal venues, to give overviews of the sector and company as a whole, which gave me experience of representing my office appropriately. Also, time was always taken to explain things to me in as much depth as I wanted, to ensure complete understanding (i.e. to know 'why' things needed to be done, not just 'what' needed doing).
Company Parties/Events
I am now being sponsored by the company, giving surety to graduate employment. If a similar standard is maintained at my next base, I would be more than happy to work for this organisation.
The Culture
We had a works do which was good, and all the placement students got on well and were happy to share what they've learnt and their work.
N/A as didn't live too close to where I worked.
There wasn't too much in the immediate area, but a nearby town was good for that.
We had fun runs, charity cycles and opportunities for sport after work, so a good variety of things to do.
Details
Internship (1 Month+)
Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Systems Engineering, Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Purchasing and Supply
West Midlands
November 2017