Customer Support Engineering Placement Review

A thoroughly challenging placement with a mix of both office and hands on experience

My position was valued by my colleagues and I was needed to do many different roles in various departments

The management and supervisors are very supportive and offer you the opportunity to visit and work in various departments to enhance your development

There was always something to do in the department whether it be desk work or testing parts

I was given the responsibility of managing projects that impacted our customers and sites around the world. The trust was built up over the year and more responsibility was given where appropriate

The skills I have gained on placement will help keep me focused as it has completely changed my work ethic. The skills gained will also help me in future full time roles as I have covered so many different areas of work that will most definitely be useful

The general atmosphere was relaxed and sociable. Issues are resolved by speaking directly to the staff in the office. There are plenty of relaxed areas for informal meetings and events and the areas are clean, comfortable and well accomodating

The placement was set up very well. There was a definitive plan for each student which outlined the work and targets that had to be completed over the course of the year. Consistent support from the Placement team in HR made the role feel comfortable yet challenging

I have had talks with the company to work while at university for Cummins on a zero hours contract. This gives me the opportunity to keep my foot in the door and gain a position when I return after my masters.

Future employment prospects are very appealing as there are so many opportunities in different departments to develop and start your professional career. There are also multiple cummins sites in the UK so you are not restricted to travelling or moving near to a single site.

The social scheme amongst the students is very good. Regular nights out are organised into the town as well as other events such as go karting, bowling, day trips to other cities etc. You will make lots of very close friends and I'm even living with one of them at university next year!

The cost of living was relatively cheap. A 2 bedroom house share with all bills included costed £340 per month which, with a full time role, doesn't break the bank. The area is also very cheap and a pint of beer wont cost much more than £3.00. This makes socialising relatively easy and everyone is always up for a night out

The night life was relatively good. There were a handful of clubs to go out in and a few bars as well. Drinks prices are cheap and it was more importantly the people who you go out with that made the nights as fun as they were

The sports and social club advertised events for Cummins staff for parties, trips and events outside of work. There was also a 5-aside football team that play every Tuesday that cummins employees can get involved in. There are plenty of opportunities to get involved and you were invited to create some of these events too.