Summer Placement Review

After a slow initial first few weeks, I ended up working on a really interesting project. I took ownership of a specific part of the project (MV/LV distribution) which was great as by being able to focus on one area, I developed a high level of competency in it.

My colleagues were supportive and friendly, and we regularly went out for lunch together or out for drinks after work. Inside the office, I was made to feel valued and respected.

My supervisor was keen to push me, and gave me more and more responsibility as the placement went on. They were always willing to explain something or give feedback if I needed it.

Initially I was not very busy at all which was frustrating, as it didn't seem like they had a structured system for summer placement students in the way that they do for the graduates. Once I had been assigned to a project however, I always had something to do, and when I finished a task there was always something else to move on to.

The level of responsibility grew during the placement considerably from where I started. I imagine if I were to remain in the role instead of going back to university it would have increased further.

I believe the technical knowledge I gained as part of the placement will put me in good stead for other roles in building services and infrastructure, though it was not directly relevant to the modules I am studying at university.

The atmosphere was relaxed and friendly, but amongst the senior management there was certainly an edge when big project deadlines were approaching. We were not expected to work late but a lot of people did anyway.

It was not particularly well organised, my line manager didn't seem to know I was coming and it took a while before there was a project team available to take me on. Once I started working on a project full time it did improve though. The graduate scheme appeared much more well structured.

There were lots of optional technical seminars on different aspects of engineering which were just open to all employees. Again due to the short length of my placement there wasn't much time for longer formal training courses, though I did raise this at the end of my placement with my line manager. The graduates however, got lots of opportunities to go away on training courses.

Prospects seem very appealing; the work is interesting, graduate opportunities seem a considerable step up from short term placements and the financial reward is at the upper end of what engineering graduates can typically earn. I have been offered a position on the graduate programme and have accepted it.

There was a pretty good social scene amongst myself and the apprentices within my department, but I had very little to do with the other summer placement students.

The office was based in Epsom, which is not a great place to live. It's close enough to London that everything is very expensive, but has no redeeming qualities of it's own. No real nightlife, no quirky or interesting shops, or even big chains. The Epsom downs are a nice piece of countryside, but it doesn't really begin to make up for what a disappointing town Epsom is. I accepted a graduate position on the condition I could move to the Bristol office, which they have kindly accommodated.

As mentioned in one of my previous answers, it was very bad! A handful of pubs and a couple of very tragic nightclubs. The wetherspoons was the highlight, which says everything you need to know.

There were a few extra clubs and societies outside of work, but they mainly covered mainstream sports such as football, rugby, golf etc. which was not particularly inspiring.