Engineering & Technology Intern within Civil Aerospace Review

I work within the Technical Variance (TV) department in Overhaul Service Engineering. My role so far has involved analysing TV data to find ways of reducing TV volume and completing TPCRs to request updates to repair manuals.

I have gained expertise in MS Excel and RR specific software such as Power BI and Kanbanize. I have also developed self-management due to the need for me to use my initiative. I have also gained confidence in public speaking; virtually and in-person.

Although the work thus far has been low risk and low priority, I am made aware how valued my contributions have been.

I have been well supported and have had the opportunity to ask questions at anytime. I have also had a large amount of independence with the expectation that if guidance is needed I can ask for it.

At RR there is a 'High Performance Culture' which allows employees to be agile in the way they work. There have been a number of opportunities for social activities on a team level. I was involved in the organisation a department away day during my second week. On a company level, there has been a large focus on RRs role in decarbonising the industry and there are clear efforts being made to promote a culture of diversity, and inclusivity. However, I believe progress can still be made at a team level, there's little diversity within the team and there could be more focus on such initiatives.

My placement so far has been an eye opening experience. It's been fantastic to have an insight into the industry and I have been given the opportunity to gain a breadth of understanding of the wider company. I have been able to contextualise my engineering knowledge which will enhance my studies for the rest of my degree and I have been encouraged to network and engage with my colleagues which has lead to a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

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Research the company. Look into the sectors of the business; Civil Aero, Defence, Power Systems, Innovation Hub. And try to gain an appreciation of where your skills and interests lie. But don't be too worried about getting it right first time, there's lots of opportunities to move around departments. Don't be discouraged from applying if you feel like you don't have enough experience and expertise, you'll find that you pick things up very quickly due to the level of guidance from your team and managers. Keep asking questions! Don't be discouraged from applying if you feel like you won't fit in! In my experience, Rolls-Royce has been enormously inclusive and I have never felt unwelcome.