Summer Student Review

I enjoyed most of my time there, I got to work on some interesting projects and learn some new skills. I had a few days where I did not have much to do which was frustrating. But overall, I really enjoyed my time; it was a nice place to work, good team and a good variety of interesting work.

I felt that I was making a positive contribution to the team and that they appreciated my work. I felt that I was given responsibility and trusted to do the work whilst still having the support if I needed it. I got feedback on the work I had done and was kept in the loop with where the project was going overall.

I generally did not need a lot of guidance but when I did I was given the help I needed. When learning a new software package I was guided through how to use it and then given time to familiarise myself with it before using it on a project. I was also given additional training material for background reading during downtime.

Generally I was busy and it was good when I was. There were some occasions when I did not have anything to do which was frustrating but it was only a few days. I was mostly responsible for finding my own work which can be difficult but I did have some support from my line manager and had some projects lined up for when I began.

I was often given quite a bit of responsibility which was nice but there was always support if I needed it and I never felt that I was out of my depth. I was responsible for managing my own time and being resourceful which meant I could (to some extent) have an influence on what I worked on.

I think I improved soft skills such as communication and time management which are useful throughout further studies and work. I also developed technical skills learning a new software package and its application which would be useful in further education and future work, skills could also be passed onto similar software for similar applications.

The general atmosphere was quite relaxed and calm. People were friendly and offered support if needed, it was easy to approach other members of the team if needed and they were happy to talk about their work or offer help. Generally fairly quiet so easy to concentrate but generally more people in the office on Fridays for meetings, etc.

Generally pretty well organised. As I previously stated, I was had some responsibility for finding my own work but was given some 'leads' and people to speak to who needed support on their projects. There was a resource tracker so if I did not have a lot of work that could be seen by team leaders so that could help find work.

I was given time to learn new software before applying it to a project, also had background reading of the software manual for reading during downtime. Most learning was 'on the job' which I prefer as it is more realistic, but was given support when needed. There were also additional online training modules available if needed.

I would say very appealing, it was a very good company with interesting work and a very good atmosphere. There was clear opportunities for development and the organisation seems to be growing well with a steady intake of graduates. Bristol was also a really nice place to be and I really enjoyed by time there.

There was a decent social scene, with monthly free lunches/presentations as a chance to meet up at work and then other social events organised in the evening. As there are a lot of placement students/graduates and generally quite a young team it was easy to get along and lots of like-minded people.

Bristol is generally not that cheap. Accommodation is not particularly cheap but there is generally a good choice available. Going out it also not particularly cheap, especially in the centre of town but there are other areas that are better. The company sports and social club offer pretty good discounts on their events which are generally worth it.

Bristol is a a pretty busy city with loads going on so there's always something to do with plenty of choice depending on whatever you prefer. There's 2 pretty large unis so lots of students so easy to join the student night life and a good choice of pubs, bars and clubs.

Yes, the sports and social club organised some events such as parties or sports or other events. These were generally good value and good fun. Outside of work there is plenty of other opportunities around Bristol, could pretty much find whatever you wanted if you look, plenty of sports clubs, gyms and other clubs and societies.