RF Seekers Placement Review

My role was to produce my own coding script that I could later integrate into a model that the seekers department is currently using, to inspect whether my version improved the current model or not. I was then asked to present my work to the team. This involved using MatLab to modify my script daily until it eventually worked, along with documenting my work throughout my placement. I was heavily involved in the general work of the team as we all were working towards the same goal.

I have learnt lots about coding and also about working as a part of a team, I was put on multiple courses to improve my MatLab skills which were extremely helpful, and I was included in many meetings with the team t improve the way I present my work to them. I improved my determination and perserverance skills on this internship too as there were times when my code did not work and it took weeks to fix, but this helped me learn how to keep my cool and carry on.

I was given quite a lot of responsibility as I was in charge of producing my own script and then in charge of integrating it into the original model. I was in good contact with my manager throughout my internship, and he helped me when I got stuck and was there to work on my code with me if I needed help, but I did not feel as if I were being over-managed at all.

I received lots of support and guidance throughout my internship, both from my manager and also from the team. Whenever I felt stuck, someone was always around to help and they always did it in a friendly and informative manner, they never made me feel like I was asking stupid questions! My manager gave me a brilliant amount of support, he was always available for me to ask him questions, but he knew also when to leave me alone to get on with my work.

The company atmosphere was fantastic, there is plenty of flexibility regarding working hours and also plenty of non-work related activities around the campus that create a friendly and calming atmosphere. There is a subsidised coffee shop, and a subsidies canteen, plus a gym, table tennis tables and more! The company encourages its employees to socialise with each other and take breaks away from the computer, which helps us all feel supported and respected, instead of feeling micro-managed.

I really enjoyed my internship at MBDA, not only was I given work that actually contributed towards an end goal of the team instead of feeling like I was given work just for the sake of it, but the friendliness of the team and of my line manager helped me feel really supported and relaxed while completing my internship. I felt like I truly fit in and I would love to come back again after my degree!

Yes

Make sure to ask for a better laptop straight away, the IT department likes to give the summer placements the old laptops which are pretty slow , l enjoy the work more with a better laptop! Apart from that, make sure to meet up with the other placements and go out with them after work, they're a great support group to have! Exert yourself wherever you can and take every opportunity that becomes available to you.