Nuclear Safety Case Engineer Review

The internship itself was beyond expectations. Everyone went out of their way to make me feel welcome and were always willing to help when needed. The only times where I felt the internship was not enjoyable was when there was a lack of work, something that sadly seems intrinsic to consultancy and not just my placement.

My colleagues were friendly and approachable. I was welcomed into the team as a colleague and not just an 'intern'. As such I felt like everyone within my team, and the wider office, invested in me and were happy to take the time out of their sometimes busy schedules to teach me how to complete a task, even if this process took twice as long as it would have done were they just to do the task them selves.

Before starting a task I always received a proper brief and usually provided with additionally reading to aid my understanding of wider topics/concepts surrounding that particular tasks. Although I was felt to independently complete the task with minimal supervision, I felt confident in asking for help/advice from nearly all member of my team. This was usually given incredibly promptly.

Due to the 'nature of consultancy' (a phase used often) there were definite ebbs and flows in my workload. Some days there was very little work and it was difficult to be in the office. Effort was clearly made my colleagues to provide me with productive tasks. In a meeting held with my line manager I highlighted that many of the tasks were of short duration and as a result I was set a much longer term project. This meant towards the end of my internship I became more occupied.

I felt that I was given an appropriate level of responsibility. For 'productive' tasks (aka billed to a client) I would have to complete an internal CV, stating why I was qualified to complete the task. This meant that I was never given the responsibility of something out of my capabilities.

I did not received any formal training as part of my internship. Also, I do not believe the skills developed in this internship will directly benefit my degree. Having said this, my experience of document control, qualitive assessment, editorial checking and collaborative working have developed skills that I think will benefit any future career that I decide to pursue.

The office I was working in was very friendly. Although professionalism was maintained I felt like I was able to get to know mainly people on a personal level also. There were numerous social sectaries who organised events such as summer social and go carting and the team would also on occasion go to the pub/have a long lunch somewhere in town

From the moment I arrived in the office I was met and welcome by my line manager. I was given a desk (although hot seating was technically enforced) next to my 'buddy' an recently joined graduate within my team. Prior to my arrival my line manager had already lined up work for me to do. This work typically lead to more work. Overall I am very pleased and grateful for the organisation of my placement.

From my own research I am aware of the competitive three year graduate training scheme offered by Atkins. There seem to be a huge focus on getting and supporting their employees through chartership. Although I enjoyed working in my team and with my colleagues greatly I am not yet certain whether I wish to peruse a career within consultancy. Having said this the reservations I have are due to the job not the organisation

In the Atkins office I was based there were a group of about five power within my floor of the office who formed part of a 'social committee'. They organised events such as go carting and crazy golf after work. Additionally there were number of sports club that employees could join including, yoga, bouldering/climbing, archery and football.