Energy Systems & Thermal Processes Engineer Review

My year with Cummins was genuinely a great placement, where I was given the opportunity to work on real projects and contribute towards the growth and success of the business. I feel that the placement gave me the opportunity to develop my engineering and personal/soft skills across the board by having real responsibility in projects. Working in R&D also opened my eyes to the prospects available within the power generation industry. After my second year at university, I didn't really know what industry I could end up in after graduating. However, I feel that this placement has focused my career aspirations and I now have a clearer picture in my head about what I could end up doing. Definately a great placement, would recommend!

Everyone at the company is open and friendly and the senior/more experienced staff are always happy to share their knowledge with you. I gave this a six as my department within engineering was small and slightly segregated from everyone else so I didn't always get the opportunity to get to know people. However, the majority of the people within engineering are down to earth and you can genuinely get on with everyone really easily.

Working in a small department (3 people) meant that I had to take a lot on from day one and pick up a lot of things by myself; this is particularly difficult in R&D with new technologies/concepts. My manager was often busy, however he would always make the time during the day if I needed support and could always point me in the right direction.

Working in a small department meant that I was given plenty to do and I regularly had several projects to work on at any one time so I was never bored. However I found that the work would peak and trough at times. Much of my work often required me to get information from other people and wait on others to get back to me. This could sometimes be boring/frustrating if I couldn't carry on until I had received a reply.

I played an integral role in the department's work, leading several projects throughout my time with the company. This required me to work extensively with suppliers and customers, using test/research data to come to my own conclusions and recommendations and then feeding back to not only my manager but other senior staff across Cummins. This level of responsibility gave me a real taste of what engineering is about and the experience I gained from it has made me much more confident for my future career.

I feel this level of responsibility I was given was great as it gave me a real opportunity to work on real engineering projects and develop myself as an engineer. Working closely with a variety of people greatly develop my team working and communication skills. Furthermore, leading projects also gave me some invaluable leadership, time and project management skills, all of which will without a doubt help me through my final year at university and future employment. Additionally, I feel working in R&D greatly improved my technical abilities and appreciation for current as well as new technologies. I feel a year in industry prepares you well for the future and gives you the right mentality to excel in the closing stages of your degree.

The atmosphere was great within our department. We could have a laugh with each other whilst getting our work done. Everyone gets involved at recognition/team building events and management aren't very strict providing you get your work done to a good standard and do your hours.

The structure of the placement works well, with organised and on-going training as well as half yearly reviews. You can easily see where you're heading and if necessary, what you need to improve on.

As above, training was structured. Got to go on many training courses through the placement, both Cummins and externally supplied.

Nobody is ever 100% promised a job with the company as it depends on budgeting/resources; but I like to think I have a good chance of getting an offer!

There were 20 placement students at our plant alone and we all got to know each other from training in the first week!

I lived at home and commuted throughout the placement....

Thanet isn't great to be honest. Canterbury about 15/20 miles up the road is better and there are university students there. The best nightlife is probably maidstone/medway about 40 minutes up the road (where I commuted from), but that is quite far to go...

Cummins works heavily with community involvement and it is mandatory for employees to spend at least 4 hours per year working with the community (paid for). This is quite rewarding and makes a good change from regular work. The sports and social club put on decent activities throughout the year too. People usually get together to play sports once a week though (football, cricket etc)...