R&D Intern Review

I did enjoyed my placement. The work was a real business need and interesting, and I was encouraged to think for myself and follow my own instincts rather than do work for someone else.

I did feel valued by my colleagues. As an intern, there is carte blanche to ask as many questions as you need and to seek help and advice from anyone who might have the skills you need - including at high hierarchy levels and different departments. Simply ask. It's almost guaranteed that people will make an effort to help you.

The support was available when I needed it. My supervisor left me enough space to think and experiment for myself, but if I ever felt astray or was struggling to obtain some external too, he'd use his knowledge and influence to help out and give a sense of purpose again.

I'd work on my own most of the time - answering email or writing documentation or doing practical stuff. I would also often have organised some meetings with people whose help I needed (often in other countries, so we'd talk on the phone) or attend team's meetings or trainings.

I would say that I was given a good amount of it. My project was my own responsibility; I was given the objectives and it was left to me how to plan and execute it. The tasks were realistic for the period of time that I had. I was given credit for my work and encouraged to present my results to a wider audience than my direct manager.

The department I was employed in was a good (not perfect) fit with my studies. While I enjoyed the work, it also allowed me to see that I might want to try something else before making a final career choice. It definitely helped me broad my knowledge in a lot of scientific topics that I hadn't encountered while studying, and it will always be a good option to come back to in the future.

Very pleasant. People like to share the successes of each team/birthdays etc with home baked cake, and everyone is close to each other. The atmosphere is remarkably comfortable. Mentors are sometimes assigned to interns to help them have a point of contact who knows the organisation but doesnt work directly with them for guidance - this is someone who you can trust is just going to try to help.

Good structure, including assessments scheduled half way through the placement period to let you know how you are progressing and meetings with HR for you to communicate concerns. The goals were established from the start.

All the training required is available, and additional talks and conferences are often available on a site-wide basis. Interns are welcome to attend these so a curious person can get a lot out of it. Particularly true in sites where several different departments are represented.

The organisation is not currently hiring as much as it used to so prospects for a job offer after a successful internship are uncertain.

There is a fair number of interns in every site starting at the same time, so social life has a good start.

Not a cheap area as it fell under the London influence area - but much cheaper than the city itself, actually affordable with the salary.

The nightlife was not too interesting - but the local pub was a great spot to hang out on weekends (and during the week).

Every site seems to run a number of social activities after work - can be a good chance to meet people that you don't encounter otherwise! Examples include book club or outdoor swimming. Additionally some sites organise some exercise classes during lunchtimes. Interns have almost the same benefits as any other employee.