Process Engineer Review

I have thoroughly enjoyed my year at Siemens. I have been given plenty of opportunity to work on a variety of different projects which I have found both interesting and challenging. The working environment though demanding is very welcoming and everyone in my team was happy to help me with any difficulty I had.

From day one I found that my colleagues treated me as an engineer rather than 'just an intern'. My first project was given to me within my first week and that it had real business implications made me feel that I was bringing something to the business.

I have had one-to-one sessions with my manager on a fortnightly basis. Here I have been able to discuss any issues I've had with my projects and how to over come them. Additionally I have been given a great deal of guidance towards my own personal development.

During my first two weeks I was given a host of introductory training sessions and slowly educated on what my roles and responsibilities would be. Following this initial period I have not had an idle moment and have always had plenty to do.

I have been given plenty of responsibility over my year at Siemens. On a monthly basis I present in front of the board of directors on the statistical process control of my area. In addition to this I project managed the root cause analysis for one of the largest quality concerns of the business.

I think my technical understanding of engineering principles has been heightened by being able to see their practical applications. I have also learnt a great deal about the manufacturing side of engineering which has massively influenced my choices for my final year modules. Finally I feel the soft skills I have developed over the year are skills that will help me both in university and throughout my career.

The general atmosphere is very good. Although the work is demanding the environment is often relaxed and most members of my department are good-humored.

Over the course of my placement there was a structured intern development program. The entailed five modules covering things such as presentation skills and career development. Within my team personally we hold a weekly review meeting where we update on our projects and assign various line support issues.

Over the course of my year here I have attended the following training sessions Presentation skills Team Building and Mind Mapping Event Microsoft Project training Level 2 award in Risk assessment (BSC) Theoretical and practical training in use of overhead cranes and electric pallet trucks Career planning

I would be very interested in coming back to this particular branch of Siemens as an engineer. Failing this I would probably also apply to be the general Siemens grad scheme based on my experience here.

Before moving into the area the HR department put me in contact with other Year interns starting at the same time as me and we managed to get a flat together. This meant it was relatively easy to organize nights out etc together.

Oxford is a very expensive area to live and socialize in. It does have student nights/areas which are slightly cheaper but without a knowledge of the area these can be quite hard to find.

The nightlife of oxford is good, as mentioned before it is expensive but there is a lot of variety. There a couple of good clubs however there are also a lot of bars in the student area of oxford which make for a good night out.

I joined a local rugby club just up the road from me and my flat mate joined a local netball club so I would say there is plenty of opportunity if you look for it.