Placement Student - Aerospace Engineer Review

I really enjoyed my work with Dstl. They gave me fantastic insight into a flexible employee lifestyle where I worked with a team on various interesting projects. The projects were beyond anything that I expected and were therefore very engaging.

My colleagues were very welcoming, be it the other summer students or the senior staff. Members of staff encouraged me to talk with and get involved with other divisions for a broader insight into Dstl's capabilities. My work was assessed and reviewed regularly which reinforced belief that it was useful to the company.

I was immediately placed in a team with a kind and considerate Team Leader who guided me through the first few weeks. I was also working alongside a mentor, who was only five years out of university himself. My mentor made sure I understood my task and was always willing to help if I had any questions.

I never felt inundated with work, but at the same time, never felt like there was nothing to do. My work was computer based therefore there was always something to be done, even learning to use new software or improving my programming skills. In 12 weeks, I was given five primary tasks which overlapped at times but I was not pressured with a strict time frame for completion. I felt relaxed which enabled me to apply myself better.

Due to security clearance limitations, the company was not exposed to a great deal of responsibility. This was a unique case and does not necessarily reflect on other (or future) placement students. Despite the restrictions, the team were keen to get me involved with some important projects and to develop useful tools for more senior members of staff.

The key skill that I have already taken away with me is in programming. Due to the amount and complexity of the coding that needed to be done, my ability with the likes of MATLAB and SIMULINK grew very quickly. In addition, I was expected to write several peer-review reports/documents which will be very useful later in my degree.

The office was large with a wide variety of staff from various backgrounds, ages and personalities. Due to the nature of the people employed, many were very work-focussed and liked to get stuck into their work. That being said, I never met anyone who wasn't friendly and the canteen at lunch times was always lively with atmosphere.

Given the security restrictions, I was very impressed with how my team managed to set my internship up. They provided me with a consistent stream of work which was organised and well managed.

Given the short time (12-weeks) and the time of year I was working (Summer holidays), there weren't as many training opportunities as a full-year student may be exposed to. I received well organised inductions and could always secure advice if I became stuck. The company encourages extra-learning with regular lectures/talks/seminars arranged during the day on wide variety of defence-related subjects. I believe that if my work had required additional training, DSTL would have been keen to arrange it for me.

Employment prospects with DSTL are very interesting. They offer placement-schemes (a one-year internship) as well as a graduate scheme (two years, following graduation). The schemes are designed to expose early-careers students to as much of what the company does as possible. There are some fantastic opportunities to work abroad (particularly in America) whilst on secondment. I think the prospect of working for DSTL again is very appealing.

There was a group setup, run by placement students for placement students, which sought to arrange social occasions and events. I felt this was a great way to meet new people and I did not find it difficult to make friends with other students or members of staff. The company itself didn't arrange too many activities but the student group (which was funded by the company) made up for that.

Cost of living for the area was very dependent on the accommodation you stayed in. I would place it on the medium-higher side of cost however that is a personal opinion based on limited experience of costs in the UK. Socialising was very easy and wide-ranging. There were both cheap and higher-end places for various activities; I certainly did not struggle for things to do on my budget.

Nightlife opportunities existed primarily in Portsmouth or Southampton. Both exhibit a wide variety of clubs, bars and pubs with Gunwharfe area of Portsmouth particularly great for a night-out. Access to London or other nearby cities was easy as well, therefore people can travel farther afield if they so wish.

None during my time there though I know of a few instances where the company arranged for placement students to take part in external activities and visits. With such proximity to Southampton and Portsmouth, vibrant cities with plenty of culture, there were many opportunities to take up new hobbies or try things out. The Isle of Wight is nearby too!