Summer Intern Review

I enjoyed my time at MBDA in the Aerodynamics and Propulsion department, during the 10 week summer placement I was involved in doing work that was meaningful and contributed to the company. I also attended many meetings where I learned about the bigger picture and other projects in the department

I found everone in the department to be very approachable when I needed help and the friendly atmosphere in the office was very welcoming. As a result, I always felt that my opinion was valued whenever I had to contribute. Also, I was invited to all the full department meetings and essentially treated in the same mannner as any other employee.

I felt that I could always approach my line manager with any problem I had and either he himself could help me or he could direct me to someone who could. When I arrived, I was able to use the induction course to familiarise myself with in-house tools and my line manager also helped to explain things about the tutorials.

I generally always had work to do, especially after a few weeks when I had learnt to use everything so I was able to continually make progress on my project. There are training courses available on your computer so you can take one of those when you have nothing else to do.

After I had been introduced to my project, it was up to me to decide how to best create and process the data as well as write it up and present it. I received guidance on how best to go about it and I could always ask for help but I was given independence as well.

The technical aspects of my work (mainly CFD and processing of wind tunnel data) will greatly help with my studies and will hopefully give me a head start for a number of university courses. In a more general sense, I have been able to improve my communication, presenting and technical reporting skills too.

The office had a very friendly atmosphere, helped by the open plan layout. Everyone was happy to chat when getting a tea or coffee and dress down Friday helped to keep a relaxed atmosphere too. People within each pen would generally go for a tea or coffee together and spend 10 minutes or so chatting before getting back to work

The entire process was generally organised very well. Hearing back from the interview was fast, then I recieved guidance through the security clearance process. Before arriving I was allocated a buddy who I could ask questions to about the company, also I was introduced to the other interns via a facebook page. When I arrived, the department were well prepared, however it took a few days to set up all the IT.

Difficult to comment over only 10 weeks however I have seen many people coming and going on paid training courses and there are also online resources to do training at your computer. I also attended a lunchtime learner, where skills are taught for an hour with a free lunch and are open to everyone in the department.

The graduate scheme consists of four rotations, each six months long. Three are in the department and one can be external inside or outside the company. I was offered a place on the graduate scheme pending confimation of the amount of graduate places. Feedback from others in the department is good regarding the graduate scheme.

Before we all arrived, we could join a facebook page that allowed us to talk to each other. This helped in the first week or so as I already knew people a little. Generally, the interns would sit together at lunch and we would go for pub trips most weekends.

Costs where I lived, in Filton, are fairly low and this is quite close to work. Prices generally go up nearer the center however travel is quite cheap.

Although we lived in Filton, the transport links are good into Bristol by bus or train so it was possible to go out there. There is a wide range of bars and clubs in the city center so there is probably one for most people music taste. Uber is available to travel around too.

It is possible to pay discounted gym membership straight from your paycheck which saves a lot of money. There are a range of sports teams who are in leagues with the other nearby aerospace companies and also a squash ladder. There are lots of fundraising activities as part of the charity challenge also.