Electrical Engineer Summer Placement Review

I highly enjoyed my 3 month placement. All my colleagues were welcoming and made me feel part of the team from day one. At the end of the placement I asked if I could return for my year in industry and the management where more than happy to have me back to work for them again.

All my colleagues welcomed me without hesitation. I felt very settled within the first day. Many times colleagues inited me to go out to tests and site visits even though I wasn't working on that project to give me an insight to as many areas as possible. I was trusted to do multiple parts independently on live projects and was given plenty of work to do.

At the start of my placement I was shown portals within the company where lots of training videos where based. Most of the time my supervisor sat down with me and in-depth went through different problems or concepts to make sure I understood it. I always felt that I could speak to management if any problems occurred.

Most of the time I had a pile of work to keep me busy through out the day, however there where occasions when work was light. At these times I was encouraged to do some research in different areas of the business and to watch youtube videos in order to enhance my understanding.

I was given a lot of responsibility during my placement. Through out my 3 month I worked on one main project, were I was given the task of designing the communications layout for a plant. This project was a live project so there were constant iterations and my ideas and designs were used.

Many of the concepts I learnt during my placement have helped me with modules in my third year of study. There for I have a greater understanding of the concepts than my peers. The skills that I developed whilst on my placement will be taken forward when applying to graduate jobs making me more favourable.

The atmosphere in the office was great. The working style is hot desks where nobody has a set desk and you can move around and sit with different colleagues. The are tea points located around the office and you can just get up and grab a coffee whenever. Fridays is a dress down day, were formal attire doesn't need to be warn however you are still expected to look smart.

There could have been a little bit more organisation before my arrival at the placement however with in a few days I was worked into jobs and allocated work to do. After the first week it was very organised, all IT set up and working. Plenty of notice for meetings and the likes.

Through out my time I kept a record of things that I completed and skills that I had gained. The company kept checking how development was going and if there was any areas that I needed help with. Where help was needed it was given effectively. At the end of the placement I was asked to give a presentation of what I had learnt over the course of the three months.

Future employment prospects within the organisation are very appealing. I have been offered to return to the company for an industrial year. After I have graduated I would like to continue my employment with Atkins on their graduate scheme. Once in employment there is lots of scope to move sectors and work in different countries.