Student Research Engineer (Civil Servant) 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
4.3
-
The Company
4.3
-
The Culture
4.3
- 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 a great challenge but aimed at a perfect level to not be too daunting. It was actually exciting to wake up everyday to go to work.
Even with my limited knowledge base, I felt I was integrated into the team atmosphere, attending social events throughout the year.
There were always opportunities to learn. From external week long training courses, to quick colleague tutorials of a specific computer programme. The atmosphere in the office would always nuture the educational process
There was a good balance 90% of the time with always interesting work to get stuck into. Due to the nature of the work however, sometimes the work load would be high or too low. However this did teach me to use the flexitime scheme and learn to be more flexible
Obviously I wasn't running the show, but I was always amazed at the opportunities, knowledge and experiences I was exposed to.
The work was very applicable to my degree and so far during my first two weeks I feel head and shoulders above those who came straight from alevels.
The Company
My team were always friendly and full of fun, due to the young average age it was easy to bond with my colleagues who soon became my close friends.
It seems Dstl now have a very streamlined and well practiced process for intern students. The start of the year was slow to begin with due to security clearances and technology licences and training that needed to be completed. Work soon picked up though!
The company have tentatively agreed to sponsor me through my further educational studies, and the forms are being processed. If it all goes through, I can't wait to return to dstl during my summers.
Flexi Time
Subsidised Canteen
Sports and Social Club
Company Car
Subsidised/Company Gym
National Travel
International Travel
Financial Bonus
Company Parties/Events
Staff Sales/Staff Shop
Above 25 days holiday
Working from home
Healthcare from home
Healthcare/Dental
Travel loan
Graduate interview will be guaranteed if my sponsorship is confirmed. I can't wait to come back.
The Culture
There were monthly socials, Christmas meals, go carting, trips to museums. All heavily subsidised by the social trust.
It was quite good value for money, however some areas of Portsmouth can be expensive to visit. I chose to commute from home as it was cheaper than relocation.
It's Portsmouth!! Gunwalf keys on the.doorstep with a high student population. Nightlife was safe but also a great laugh.
Loads of social events and recreational pastimes such as airsofting and paintball. These all built links between me and my colleagues.
Details
Placement (10 Months+)
Computer Systems Engineering
South East
October 2014
