Summer Vacation Student Review

I was given a list of projects that I could choose from before I started my internship so I had already chosen a project that was suited to my interests within the scope of the department. The work was challenging, and I struggled with some of the work, however I always had support from my colleagues if I had questions or needed guidance for where to go next.

Everyone I worked with or met during my time at Roke was friendly, I arrived a little before other interns and was made welcome by everyone in my office. The wider Roke community was also very friendly.

My line manager was always busy but if I needed to talk to him I could just pop into his office or contact him via e-mail. My supervisor was unfortunately not present during my entire internship, however other colleagues made up for this and were always happy to answer my questions and give me guidance.

I was pretty much left alone to manage my time, along with the flexi-time system I never felt like I was wasting time or was too busy.

I was very much left on my own to manage the project after being given initial guidance.

I learned lots of valuable skills with regard to time management as well as skills specific to my project. I also honed skills that I had learnt during my university course.

My office was friendly, most people were busy with their work but casual chats were common.

There was a lot of forms to be filled out before starting, however I had e-mail contact with a HR rep who helped me with any questions. My first day was well organised and I had a HR introduction and tour with a group of other new starters. The only improvement would have been if Roke had been more proactive with introducing me to other interns once they had arrived.

There was no formal training offered to interns, although informally I was trained in the tools I was using as well as being trained by the experienced engineers around me on how to best approach problems.

Future employment prospects are very appealing, the variety of work is interesting and there is a very good atmosphere.

All interns met together and ate lunch. On fridays we went to the company bar together and had doughnuts with the graduate students. Most fridays we went to the pub, we also organised a night out in Southampton and a cinema trip.

I lived in my Student accommodation in Southampton. Train travel can cost ~£80 a month for a travel card from Southampton to Romsey and there is then a free shuttle bus to Roke from Romsey station. Romsey is also within cycling distance from Southampton.

Romsey doesn't have a night life beside pubs, but most people will be based in Southampton, which has a very good nightlife.

There is a sports and social club at Roke which runs many activities and is free to join as a summer vacation student.