Process Engineering Intern Review

Scoping of commercially available life cycle assessment software. Learning how to use the software and creating template models for use by other engineers and scientists within the department. Documenting and reporting back progress to the wider team including providing training on SimaPro at the end of my placement.

Developed communication skills as the information I was relaying was brand new to everyone. Learnt new computer skills as this is something I’ve not focussed on at uni. Upon leaving was the most experienced company member on the software. Presenting skills also improved as lots of work had to be summarised into a short presentation at the end of placement.

Yes I was pretty much left to get on with whatever I thought necessary and in whichever direction I wanted to take the project. Had 3 check ins with my supervisors per week who could steer me in the right direction to tailor my work to their needs but always listened to my points and were interested in my learnings.

Everyone was very forthcoming with offers to help and would always check in when they saw me about the office. Even those who didn’t have as clear an idea with regards to my specific work were willing to provide advice enabling me to learn as much about AZ and gain as much industry experience as I wanted. Supervisors were always on hand to schedule extra meetings or chat when I was struggling.

Very welcoming and friendly place to work. Although covid came with restrictions for being on site and I couldn’t meet the same number of people face to face I can imagine when the office is busy it’s no different to what I experienced. No matter what team you are in or what your job is everyone knows each other and spends time at lunch etc. together making an effort to include you.

I found my summer very interesting and enjoyed learning more about how my degree will be used in the workplace. My project was totally different to what I was expecting but was rewarding nonetheless especially the satisfaction of being a ‘company expert’ in my work and having the chance to actually teach people in different roles to myself.

Yes

Just be honest and let them know how you want to benefit from the experience as they’re totally focused on personal and professional development along with what experience will benefit you the most.