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
-
The Role
3.4
-
The Company
4.0
-
The Culture
3.3
- 1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?
- 2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?
- 3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?
- 4. How busy were you on a daily basis?
- 5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?
- 6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
- 7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?
- 8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?
- 9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
- 10. What were the perks on your work placement?
- 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?
- 12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?
- 13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?
- 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?
- 15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?
The Role
The work was really individual and interesting and everyone promoted going to expereince different areas of the organisation.
It took a while to settle into my team. I tended to get on and feel most valued by people I worked with who weren't in my team, and these people I got on really well with and was really appreciated by. I know other people had the same issue.
Although my team and department was experiencing lots of changes in management at the time, it could have been better. This however was recognized by the managers themselves.
It varied hugely. Sometimes I had lots to do and was constantly busy and other times I had nothing to do for days.
I expected less responsibility than I was given, although my role didn't really give me the chance to take on lots of responsibility. I was responsible for the work I was doing. I know other people in the same position were given much more responsibility due tot he nature of their jobs.
The hands on experience I couldn't get anywhere else. The work done by company is so unique and interesting I was able to ask around for experience for university interviews that I have now done and people who have gone straight to university won't do until 3d/ 4th years. The organisation also has such a huge variety of work you can get experience in almost any area.
The Company
People were friendly and relaxed and enjoyed being around eachother.
They were very used to having students, although again due to the changes in the department and team, my year wasn't as well organised as it had been for previous years. Dstl is really good at having students though!
They let me do things that required training as well, just because I was interested and they wanted me to expand my experiences, as well as mandatory training.
Flexi Time
Sports and Social Club
Company Car
Subsidised/Company Gym
Above 25 days holiday
Working from home
I would come back for summer placements, and maybe as a graduate for a bit, but not long term. The experiences and skills you get there are really valuable, and should be used elsewhere.
The Culture
There were alot of us and we lived together on onsite accommodation. Some of us worked int he same offices, and we went to lunch together everyday.
Living costs were really good; especially on site accommodation. Socializing was very difficult as it cost a lot to get a taxi into town and go out, and the nearest shops were 40 mins walk away. A car was definitely needed.
Not great... pubs were good.
There was a new starters organisation that organised activities.
Details
Placement (10 Months+)
South West
August 2013
