Mechanical Summer Intern Review

I thoroughly enjoyed my placement, working with many different teams, and having a varied role. This exposed me to many different areas of the business and develop a vast range of skills. The company was very accommodating with my requests to move from the workshop and into the offices, and this flexibility made the placement much more enjoyable.

I received feedback quite regularly so I was able to grasp how well I was doing and how well I fitted in to the team. I felt like a very valued member, as every one seemed so friendly and willing to give their help and advice when I needed it.

The management team suggested regular contact with me to answer any questions I had. It was great that they were able to set time aside to support me, something which I rarely received in my previous place of work. There was also promise of supported development in the graduate scheme, where your mentor and buddy will be assigned to support your career progression.

Each day I had some work to do, and if I ever felt like I had little to do I knew who I could go to for more work. It made me learn how to prioritise tasks and set deadlines. Sadly my placement was in the summer period, so many managers were often on holiday so there were periods where I felt I had to make the work stretch.

I was treated like I was on a graduate role, and felt well respected in the team. My lack of experience didn't hold me back, as everyone was so friendly and willing to help. I did feel like my responsibilities were somewhat limited as I was on a short term internship, but I could see that for the long term graduate scheme, there was a lot more responsibility.

I was able to do 6 weeks worth of practical experience, which is invaluable for a mechanical engineering degree. I was also able to do a lot of CAD work, which is heavily featured throughout my degree and so it was great to continue developing my skills between academic years.

At the workshop, the environment was really friendly and banterous atmosphere. In the offices it was much more quiet, however there were clear friendships within the teams and generally everyone seemed happy to be at work. The only limiting factor was the age demographic in the offices, however there were plenty of young, similar aged employees working in different sections.

The workshop work was well prepared, and I felt like I fitted in really well with the team. I requested to move over to the offices for some different work experience, which the team were less prepared for, however work was found for me quite quickly, and I felt very welcome in my new teams.

They offered promise of lots of personal development at graduate level, but the progression was limited for such a short summer internship. I was however, told that I could do whatever I waned within limits of the role, so I was expected to set my own goals for my internship.

Extremely appealing, the perks of the graduate scheme are great. I have heard many great things from the current graduates. There is plenty of opportunity to speak to graduates while on the internship to find out more about the graduate scheme. I have learnt so much already and it would be great to continue working here and learn more.