This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.
Rating
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The Role
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The Company
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The Culture
- 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
I loved my internship because it was so engaging and interesting. I have had to learn something new everyday, and there is so much more still to learn.
I feel relatively valued, considering that I have only just finished my first year of studies. I was treated like an equal by most of my colleagues. They were all seemed thankful to have me complete some tasks for them.
I had full support from the team I was working with and anyone I interacted with. They were very busy but always had time for me to ensure that I had as much guidance as I needed. Everyone was willing to help me if I asked for it.
I was as busy as I wanted to be. The team I was with set me plenty of projects, but it was up to me how fast and to what extent I completed them. I liked to keep myself busy and complete the tasks as soon as I could to a good standard.
I was given as much responsibility as possible for someone at my stage in their studies. It was nice to always feel like the work I was doing was really helping. I personally asked for more responsibilty of contacting people myself, holding my own meetings and presenting an official team recommendation for requesting funding in one area (which I decided on and got approved by my manager).
The technical knowledge I gained will definitely benefit my studies in the future, but the main skills developed were professional. There was also training for computer programs and instrial applications that I will use in the future when I begin to work in the indstry. I learnt about machinery used on the plants in detail, which gave me a further understanding and passion for mechanical engineering. This also gave me an appreciation and background to other disciplines. Because the office is made up of all the disciplines in one place, interacting with other employees allowed me to understand the entire process of designing and operating air separation plants, as well as an appreciation of each engineering discipline based there. One of the most important things that this company provided me with was the motivation to career progression and the inspiration to push myself to achieve as high as possible. There is a huge element of support for furthering your own career and reaching your highest potential.
The Company
The atmosphere was positive and calm, but focussed on the work at hand. There were times when we could have an open group discussion, but also times when everyone is conscientious. There was no pressure in this environment, just support and positivity.
It was very well organised in terms of planning my work and setting me achievable goals. My manager and supervisor were always up to date on what I was doing, and prepared to set me onto something new when I finish a different task.
My manager, supervisor and mentor invested a lot of time in my presentation skills, and teaching me about the company. They definitely spent a lot of time assisting me, even though they were busy.
Flexi Time
Subsidised Canteen
Sports and Social Club
Subsidised/Company Gym
National Travel
Company Parties/Events
Very appealing. Everyone that has had an internship this summer with the company wants to come back to work for them again. I can see the future progression prospects of my supervisor and I know that I can get to that position in the same time if I apply myself.
The Culture
Yes, very good. There are many events and nights out, but the intake this year of interns were less inclined to being social. Every lunch time there are sports clubs on, which is a huge social aspect of working here.
I lived in Hersham, which is actually cheap compared to other areas, but it is quite an expensive area, as its so close to London.
The nightlife is okay, there are some pubs nearby in Hersham, but they aren't very nice. The more stylish places to socialise are in Walton-on-Thames.
There was volunteering, and probably lots of activities in the area, but I was unaware of them as I was busier with other things.
Details
Internship (1 Month+)
Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
London
September 2014