Mass Properties Engineer within Flight Physics Review

The work was very interesting and very varied. I was given a choice of the work I got involved with to a certain extent as the placement progressed.

The staff are very friendly and helpful. During the placement I attended department social events for all sorts of occasions and felt like one of the team from day one.

My supervisors were extremely helpful with the perfect balance of guidance and autonomy. Help was always available if needed, but I was encouraged to work independently were I could.

Workload was constantly up and down. Sometimes you are rushed off your feet (which is often good), but sometimes you may be dependent on other factors before you can progress, and this can be frustrating. However, I think this is the case in most job situations, whichever company you work in.

On certain projects, the job couldn't go ahead without my input, placing large responsibility on my shoulders. This was excellent for my enthusiasm as I was worried the work I would be doing wouldn't be 'real' or 'useful' as I was an intern. All work that I got involved with was directly beneficial and very important to the overall tasks of the department.

During my internship I got to attend some training courses that have provided skills and knowledge I can continue to use at university and in a graduate career. The job as a whole, opened my eyes to more efficient ways of working, more concise and mature report writing, positive working behaviours, and plenty of confidence to speak up in meetings and provide an input based on my role within the team.

Different buildings within the site had very different atmospheres depending on the function within that building. Some were very quiet, while others were buzzing with energy and short deadlines. All the buildings have their own quirks that provide a friendly atmosphere. Often on people's birthdays there would be cakes and treats for everyone to share. Sometimes when the team inside the office reached a key milestone in their work, the office would receive a reward of cooked sandwiches. Throughout the year, charity events would occur that break the mould and add a bit of quirkiness to the office.

The start of the work placement offered lots of structure in order to get your feet comfortably on the ground and settled into your work. As the placement progressed I was given the option to tailor my work to areas of interest. This is limited however, by the work going on at the time and opportunities for you to get involved. While on your placement, keep your eyes open to all other projects going on around you and if one catches your eye, speak to your manager about it to see what can be done to get you involved.

The company doesn't have a large budget for specific training for intern development as they are temporary staff. Graduate roles have huge amounts of training given to them though. However, they do go to great lengths to get you involved in as much as possible to get you to see as much as you can and gain lots of experience. There are opportunities to go on certain training courses if you can justify the benefit to the company for you having gained the skills advertised.

I am already applying to work there again as a graduate. I loved the company and my time there.

There are many interns and graduates every year within Airbus UK, and it is likely you will end up living with some others if you decide to organise it that way. I worked in the Filton site and Bristol is a great place for socialising. It is up to you to organise to meet up with other interns.

Not too bad. I'm used to cheaper student deals, but it is ok considering you will be earning money during the placement.

Bristol has a great nightlife and transportation to the centre is pretty cheap and convenient.

Bristol is a very lively place with lots of facilities for sports and hobbies. Filton itself has lots of gyms and parks. The department I worked in (Flight Physics) organises its own afterwork social events for the department to get involved in. These were a good mix between sporting and none sporting, including go karting, mountain biking, velodrome, charity events, cooking events, and pub events.