Summer Placement Review

I enjoyed the insight a lot. It provided me an introduction into the world of quantum physics which I am keen on learning more about in the future. It also kept me up-to-date with current affairs in Physics, particularly given that my insight coincided with them planning the construction of a large Hadron collider.

I did not feel very valued by the company as it felt more like they were teaching me. I attended lectures and seminars so it felt like I needed them more than they needed me so I did not offer value to the company. I also felt like I was still learning so was unable to help.

I received a lot of guidance and support and this was consistently spread throughout the insight. I was introduced to many new ideas regarding particles and, given that much of it is in theory, I really needed their support to understand it. This support was therefore essential in helping me to succeed.

The information I received about quantum physics and particles in physics will help me greatly in the future as I would like to learn more about quantum physics and this information will provide me a solid basis to start on. Personally, it developed my skills that I learnt from university more generally.

The insight was very well structured. They did a very good job in initially ensuring that everyone was at the same page by bringing us up to speed. The ratio of lectures to seminars and practical work was also very good which meant that I stayed interested in learning all about the company.

The atmosphere was very nice. The other students were quite friendly and we quickly found common interests given that we were mostly studying the same subject. The employees there were also nice which made it easier for them to communicate their knowledge to us in an effective way for us to understand.

In terms of development in knowledge, they really did invest everything into me. I initially knew nothing about quantum physics but they really did teach me a lot about it such that I understand it at a competent level. Personally, I improved my communication skills with the employees and the other students.

The insight did not really help me to understand what it would be like to have a full time role with the company. Though it did introduce me to quantum physics, this was simply a glimpse of what the employees deal with. Furthermore, the placement was structured more like a summer course rather than working there.

The insight was very helpful in understanding company culture. This is because I got to meet the employees and see what they are like and through them, I saw the passion for what they do and this was particularly inspiring as they genuinely loved working at the company. Also, they showed great concern for current affairs and scientific breakthroughs.

The insight was very valuable in helping me decide on a future career path. By introducing me into the world of quantum physics, it opened up a whole realm of jobs that I could consider now that I was interested in such. Furthermore, the employees were willing to talk about my future prospects.

I was paid for this experience though I did not expect to be given that I was mainly learning from the company. On top of this, I was reimbursed my travel expenses as well as my expenses for lunch and this just showed how much the company cares for the people they employ.

There were plenty of opportunities to meet employees during the day, between lectures, seminars and even during such. They were always willing to talk which was nice and they talked about the company and they gave me long term advice for the future and this was particularly helpful to get such from an eperienced person.

These networking opportunities were really good. Socially, the employees were always willing to talk about a wide variety of things so I was really ncie to get to know them and their interests and learn more about them. I also got to talk to them about quantum physics and expand my knowledge on this topic.

There were many opportunities for employees to get involved in outside of work and they were always willing to invite us. Similarly, the students also arranged social activities to attend. There were often times when other scientists came to the centre and I also got to meet them and this was nice.

I would most definitely recommend this insight if you are pursuing a career in Physics and want to scout out different career opportunities or even if you are keen on learning more about quantum physics. Furthermore, the insight will provide you with good experience of working in the scientific environment in the real world.