Engineer Review

The work was really interesting. There are many graduates of similar age. The senior engineers are very approachable and willing to offer support.

I definitely felt a valued member of a project team and wass invited out for social events outside of work. At times it felt that the quality of work being produced was 'expected' and feedback is rare.

When a project is approaching a deadline the support can become limited. In most cases however, senior engineers and management are very accomodating.

There is a variety of work, and it is important to be able to organise many tasks at once. There are weeks in which extra hours are required, however I would expect that in most jobs.

As a placement student you expect to have moderate responsibility. However, I was placed in the largest development project in the department and was given important roles. The project relied on my expertise and I was in demand.

The work involved taking an idea and developing right through to final build. This enabled me to develop a wide understanding of a project cycle. The skills learnt will definitely be applied during my project work in my degree.

The office was relaxed, and there are oppurtunities for non-work related discussions. The office had a culture of bringing in sweets/cakes from holidays. There is definitely opportunity for laughter in the office, however, there is a place and time as you would expect.

The company has an inducition week to introduce the company and then a further induction period in which an individual completes there own project, whilst settling into the company and aclimbatizing to the environment.

There were oppurtunities to attend 'better never stops' courses which aim to further area knowledge. There are also workshops available to develop programming skills. I was placed in important roles within the company and therefore developed skills.

As I have a further two years at University, a job offer is not appropriate for either party. I was offered a summer placement and colaboration with the company for my third year project.

The football team had many socials in Guildford as well as training once a week. I also went camping with fellow colleagues and have made some good friends and contacts. The company fantasy football was a good way of socialising.

The area of Guildford is expensive, however this is reflected in the company salary. I pay £460pm for accomodation including bills. Typical pint price is £4, however there is a 'Spoons and the student union at the University of Surrey!

For the typical student there aren't many great nightclubs in Guildford, the Student Union at UoS is the best bet. There are many bars and pubs however. If you like alternative music venues - The Boileroom is a winner.

There are climbing, basketball, football clubs to name a couple. There is a sailing regatta organised each year as well as Christmas and Summer events.