Year in Industry Student Review

by Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl)

This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.

Rating

3.6/5
  • The Role
    4.6
  • The Company
    3.2
  • The Culture
    2.8

    The Role

  • 1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?

    • An emphasis on personal development, and an opportunity to experience many areas of the organisation means Dstl has a lot to offer a student.

    5/5
  • 2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?

    • I was treated as an equal member of the team, often working on similar tasks to those of graduates. You really are given real work!

    5/5
  • 3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?

    • The two team leaders that I had during my placement were both incredibly supportive, seeking interesting opportunities for me to explore the organisation and wider MOD.

    5/5
  • 4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

    • I was busy throughout my placement, however I never took on more work than I could handle.

    5/5
  • 5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?

    • Dstl gives the right people significant responsibility, you have to earn it!

    5/5
  • 6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?

    • The skills I developed at Dstl will be invaluable in enabling me to put my degree into a business context.

    5/5

    The Company

  • 7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

    • Whilst my team were great I felt there could be more done to make the office a more welcoming and personal space. Dstl should look at what Google's workspaces look like and adopt some of their ideas.

    2/5
  • 8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?

    • Organisation varies by department. Whilst my department was very good at supporting me, others were not so lucky, actively having to find work where there team would not give them enough project work.

    4/5
  • 9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?

    • Dstl was keen to treat you as any other full-time member of staff in terms of fulfilling request for training and specialist courses.

    5/5
  • 10. What were the perks on your work placement?

    • Flexi Time

    Subsidised/Company Gym

    National Travel

    Staff Sales/Staff Shop

    Above 25 days holiday

    Working from home
    3/5
  • 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?

    • Appealing, so long as you are self motivated you can do well.

    4/5

    The Culture

  • 12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?

    • The number of students recruited makes it easy to have others in exactly the same position as you!

    4/5
  • 13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?

    • Do not stay in the onsite accomodation at Porton, stay in Salisbury if based there.

    3/5
  • 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?

    • Salisbury offers an OK nightlife. I wouldn't recommend staying onsite if you wish to go out at the weekend. Taxis make it an expensive night!

    2/5
  • 15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?

    • There were opportunities for sports and other social clubs.

    3/5
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Details

Placement (10 Months+)

South West

July 2013

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