Product and Process Engineering Intern Review

Working at Plant Oxford has been an absolute pleasure. The daily schedule was very engaging and always ensured that I was working on at least one project. The ability to manage my own time and responsibilites also enabled me to learn valuable skills like time management and task priotisation. Working at BMW is definitely something I will look back at fondly.

One of the greatest things about Plant Oxford is the friendliness of everyone I've had the pleasure of working with or alongside. From the very beginning everyone was very welcoming and allowed me to get invovled straight away. Without a doubt, I never felt as though I wasn't a valuable part of the team.

Everyday we had team meetings and my manager was always heading these meetings. He would give us an idea of how production was running and also give us an idea of what challenges we should expect. I always felt that if I needed any advice or guidance I could very easily go to my manager and communicate with him.

The work load definitely fluctuated over placement but this had to do with me moving around different areas of the department. Some area's had more responsibilites than others and thus more of a work load. I felt as though I always had enough work but never too much that it became overwhelming.

I think that I was given huge amounts of responsibility, being able to organise my own meetings and make presentations for senior management teams. I was able to organise my time and work on very important projects. I was also responsible for the ordering and managing of plant related items which are essential for production.

Without a doubt, this work experience will help stand me in good stead. I have been able to gain confidence in the work place. My presentation skills have improved and now I can organise a meeting and engage an audience. Among other transferable skills that I have gained; communication, time management and prioritisation.

The atmosphere in the office was always welcoming and friendly. The mix of ages in the office always meant that there was someone to talk to and socialise with. I never felt uncomfortable or as though I couldn't approach someone. This was a definite positive as you never know how people are going to accept you.

The placement was very organised from the get go having the previous intern to learn from for a month before he finished his placement. From the onset it was decided that I would spend time in multiple areas within the paintshop working for the same department. However, the time spent in these locations was never specified.

The company did offer some training however this never did come to fruition. The company does invest in its interns by ensuring we have the correct workwear and organising plant tours within the BMW group around the UK. I was also offered to travel to Germany with the company but again this fell through.

BMW group is a great company and one I am proud to say I have worked for. Without a doubt, I will be looking for further employment here in the future as the growth prospects are so great. I was offered a longer term job while on my placement but as I am going back to university next year I couldn't accept this offer.

Personally, I did not get too involved however there were many was in which fellow students could communicate and get in contact. There was an email list and a couple groups which set up social events for those who wanted to socialise outside of work hours. This wasn't convenient for me as I lived far away.

I didn't live very close to work as I wanted to save money so I can't say for sure.

Not sure.

Other than the plant tours that were definitely very insightful there wasn't too much else in terms of opportunities.