Materials Scientist Review

It was an absolute blast. I was able to trave around Europe and to New York, USA. The team was small but very friendly having team nights out. W

My opinions were really valued and I was included in international calls and projects. Project managers would contact me asking for my opinion on new projects they were working on and asking for assistance in their research.

Whenever I felt out of my depth there was always someone to speak to and get advice, even if it was just to confirm what I already knew.

There were always new projects coming in from different places meaning there was always a variety of things to be getting on with. Prioritization was key, but you never felt rushed. It was always better to do things properly than try to rush through testing for a high profile product.

I was put in charge of my own work, and completed project testing on my own. I was even asked to help develop new testing methods and buy new equipment worth tens of thousands of pounds. I was also sent to New York as the sole representative of my team for an urgent matter.

There was enough chemistry to satisfy my degree course and complete self study assignments (by post). The use of my scientific skills was essential and i was able to improve my report writing and business awareness. My communication skills were greatly enhanced and any training I felt I needed (eg presentations) was freely given.

there was always a general chatter as we got on with the work. There was almost an unwritted rule that as long as you finished the work in an appropriate time scale, you could have fun along the way (and regular tea breaks).

Each placement student had a specific project to work on throughout the year in different areas of Materials and Liquid Development. From my experience I would say that it was well organised with a thorough interview process. they analysed your strengths and worked out which area you would be best working in.

I was given auditing training, with an outside trainer coming in to teach all the placement students. I was given thorough training on the main testing processes, and shadowed a member of the team for a couple weeks before being put in charge of my own projects.

I would love to go back to the team at Menstrie, Stirling. However, at this time I dont want to go back to Scotland for family reasons. In previous years all placement students were hired (after completing separate graduate/employment interviews)

I lived with one of the students I met at the assessment centre. There were a lot of new 'young' staff at the site and we frequently went out as a group.

In Scotland water rates are included in the council tax (which as a student you are exempt from). The area was cheap to live in with a wide variety of things to choose on in a lower price range. It was no more expensive than living in Sheffield, especially considering you're being paid.

There were only two real clubs in Stirling but there is good nightlife in Glasgow with lots of people deciding to commute.

If you wanted to get out and join the gym etc you had the option, it was possible to join stirling university gym use their facilities (tennis courts etc). Nothing is laid out for you but if you do a little investigation there's plenty to do if you want to.