Undergraduate Engineer Review

Maybe working as an engineer is not for me, but the desk orientated nature of the 'modern' engineering approach is somewhat lost on a person seeking to really engage with the work hands-on!

My unofficial department was great at keeping me interested by really valuing the work and myself. This brought out some of my best work. Based on the average score, I gave this as my official department made it clear that I was simply a student, which meant not doing proper work and hence no value from colleagues.

The guidance unfortunately was not great. There was more of a blame culture where any mistakes were magnified rather than providing guidance in the first place. The support at times was great, if issues outside of work got in the way of work it was no problem.

For the first 3 months clock watching was a favourite past time (no pun intended!). However, after this, when colleagues are aware you can do a half decent job, they were at your desk in a flash. This did mean I often worked past 7 pm without realising!

Again towards the end, with my unofficial department, I was giving the responsibility of leading a project to completion. I also had a chance to project manage successfully, handling a very large budget.

The training will in the most part not come in handy. The only useful thing I gained was the ability to write well structured and detailed reports. The other training received was only useful to carry out the placement role. Soft skills were obviously enhanced, whether it was ever a good or bad experience.

Very dry, the odd laugh here or there, but on the most part people got on with their jobs. Or there was someone complaining about something! For people who spend the best part of 60% of their waking hours with other people in the office you sure couldn't tell they knew each other!

Poor organisation from day one, very disappointed by the lack of structure which you would expect from a supposed big company. Never really sorted out my role in the company, became a jack of all trades. Would have expected a 3 or 6 month rotation to really see the business from all aspects.

There was training given for software used by the company, and some specialist training sessions. Obviously being there only a year, the basic training was provided. Hard to judge as it was a placement, this question was rate better in a graduate review due to the fact that the investment the company makes in you is for the long term benefit to both. .

Made it quite clear in the interview that hardly any placement students are taken on. I liked the honest assessment of the interviewer when I asked about this. It became abundantly clear after a few months that there was little if no chance for progression beyond graduation.

Poor integration of students, did not do anything besides work! The way the company is set up, they provide no integration days, or chance to meet other students before starting. Compared to other friends on placement, I was disappointed at the opportunities and students.

Second only to the capital! Ridiculous rental prices for the half decent areas. Some student nights were a bit cheaper but on the whole a premium was placed on everything despite the slight increase in pay for the area.

Same as most places, good clubs. poor clubs and average ones. Student nights are generally good, with a large crowd out most weekends. Locals integrated into the scene and are pretty friendly. Casino next to Tiger Tiger....£200, enjoyment of nightout? PRICELESS!!

Organised by work? Nope. In terms of sports, recreation etc (on your own) there was plenty to do and not far to travel either. Very type of interest is catered for, just go out and have a look!