Researcher Intern Review

I thoroughly enjoyed my placement at Schlumberger Cambridge Research Centre. I particularly enjoyed the responsibility I was given during my placement in conducitng experiments, processing data and writing up reports. The placement also had a great work-social balance as there were other interns in different departments also undergoing industrial placements.

I felt very valued during my internship, which I believe was indicated by the high level of responsibility I was given in conducting research. Other researchers within the department would also ask about the results of my experiments as they were relevant to their research which made my work feel valued. There were also times where I was asked by colleagues to demonstrate how I would carry out a process or use a price of equipment, further making my contributions feel valued.

During the first few weeks of my placement my manager provided me with a lot of support and guidance when introducing me to the work done in the department, specifically the research I would be conducting. Later during the placement I worked more independently, however my manager in addition to other researchers were always available to answer any of my queries if necessary.

There was always something to work on during my placement, whether that be conducting experiments, processing data, writing reports or reviewing literature. The workload was a good intensity and planning how I would allocate my time during the week in advance help me make the most efficient use of my time.

I was provided with a lot of responsibility during my placement. If there was a piece of equipment I was unfamiliar with I would be responsible for learning how it works by asking the appropriate people. I was also responsible for conducting experiments, processing the data and formulating conclusions independently, with guidance and support provided when requested.

The skills and knowledge I have gained during my placement will be invaluable for the final year of my degree in Chemical Engineering and for my future career. I have gained a greater understanding of surfactant self-assembly and electrochemistry which goes beyond the scope of my course. I have also developed my existing knowledge of fluid mechanics which I have gained during my time at University, which will particularly benefit my for my final year of my degree. The interpersonal skills I have gained in working effectively with colleagues in a work environment will also benefit me in the future immensely.

I had a very productive and enjoyable office environemnt. I shared my office with three other interns during my placement. One worked with me directly in the corrosion chemistry team in the Chemisty department. The other two worked within the Chemistry department but on separate projects. Having colleagues working on similar projects within the office allowed me to learn more about their research and how it might relate to my own.

The placement was very well organised. Immediately after I joined I was provided with information on what research I would be conducting and how it relates to the company in solving problems in the field. There was a well organised handover period where the previous intern whose position I was taking over informed me of all the relevant information I needed. I was also required to inform the new intern at the end of my placement any information they might need to know.

I was provided with workplace safety training which detailed how to carry out workplace and laboratory tasks safely to avoid incident.

I prospect of working for Schlumberger would be very appealing as I thoroughly enjoyed my placement

There was a very good social scene between fellow placement students. There was about 15 other placement student also completing industrial placement during my time at Schlumberger. We would regularly socialise during lunch and meet up after work. Interns also organised regular badminton and football sessions involving interns and other members of staff at the company.

I was paying £725 (bill included) per month for my accommodation in Cambridge, which is slightly above average for Cambridge. Some of the pubs in Cambridge were fairly expensive but there were ones that were cheaper which we would visit more frequently. Overall Cambridge was a relatively expensive area to live and socialise in.

There were a lot of nice pubs in Cambridge.

Cambridge offers a lot of activities outside of work. Me and some of my fellow interns competed in the Camrbridge badminton league. There were a lot of good cycle routes in and around Cambridge which could be enjoyed free of charge. There were also a lot of gym and leisure facilities to enjoy.