Industrial Placement Student Review

Very much enjoying my placement, so far. I am just over two month in, and have developed a lot of skills, the key ones being python computer programming and Abaqus finite element analysis. I had no previous experience with either of these programmes prior to my placement. Atkins is also a very social company.

In regards to the work, I always feel valued by both the people I am working alongside and the managers. Everyone is also happy to help when assistance is needed, and will often stop what they are doing when I need advice. Atkins is a very friendly environment

My line manager is always very helpful when I need it. We have a catch-up meeting every two weeks, and I can go and ask any questions when they arise. My project work is overseen by other managers, who are either very helpful when I have problems, or able to direct and introduce me to someone with the required skills to help.

So far, I have always had plenty of work to keep myself busy. however, usually deadlines are not too strict or under pressure, so it isn't stressful. As a placement student, I haven't been expected to work overtime to ensure projects are completed by their deadline, though I have occasionally out of choice.

So far I have worked on two main projects. One involved lots of working with other people, but I did the majority of work. This meant I needed to contact experts as needed. My other project was entirely left to me, with just a vague project description given. I had to set my own targets, deadlines and requirements.

I'm not sure at the moment, as I am still less than a quarter of the way through my placement. However, I am sure I have gained many useful skills in time management, self-discipline, communication (both spoken and written), alongside technical skills whose use

The atmosphere is fairly serious, but very friendly and relaxed. Working flexi-time means people show up and leave as they want, and you're also allowed to work from home when needed. People are frequently going to make a coffee or walking over to other people's desk to talk about projects, and social events planned by the company.

It was good. My line manager is relatively young, probably in a conscious effort to choose someone that placement students should be more comfortable with. I will spend 6 months working in one project, and 6 months working in another to gain experience. However, there is enough flexibility for me to request working with software I am interested in, which i greatly appreciate.

Atkins is very good in the understanding that an industrial placement is for the student to learn and develop skills. I sent the first two weeks just training, though it was mostly online training, not structured. I have been encouraged to speak up about projects or skills which I am interested in, so that I can learn what I am most interested in.

I would be very interested in working with Atkins after my placement year. The typical route for Year 2 placement students is to return for a summer placement between year 3 and 4 of uni, before being offered a graduate position. I also like that Atkins has several offices around the UK so I wouldn't be restricted to the same city I am in now.

There is a social scheme for graduates, placement students and apprentices, with frequent out-of-work social events and a monthly lunch. However, in the day to day office work I feel rather left out of the social side, as the graduates stick together and there is only one other placement student.

I am living in Bristol, where there's plenty of reasonably priced socialising activities to do, and house prices aren't too bad. It is considerably more expensive than some parts of the country, but also noticeably cheaper than bath, where I study at university.

I have left this as a neutral 5 star rating. I have heard good things about the nightlife in Bristol from friends, especially compared to Bath which is a relatively small city, and so the nightlife isn't that great. However, I myself have not participated in this yet, so I feel a neutral rating is most suited.

Yes, there are lots of opportunities, Within work, the young professionals social club has organised meals out, pub crawls and go karting. My department has also organised meals, bowling, frequent pub drinks and a christmas party. The company also has several sports teams, including, but not limited to, football, squash and netball