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
Thoroughly enjoyed my time at DSTL, the work I carried out was intersting and varied. Occasionally I'd have a little bit of tedious work to do but for the most part, work was enjoyable.
Felt like my contributions were appreciated right from day one throughout the rest of the year.
Manager kept in contact and made sure I had work to do and didn't have any problems. I was encouraged to go off and find work for myself by speaking to various team members and the wider group, which I found a good approach.
Varied; sometimes I'd have lots to do, other times it would be quiet; but I could always go and find little jobs people needed doing during times it was quiet.
Straight away I was given my own project to run due to past experience, which was quite an important task and made me feel like they trusted me with work I did.
Not everything I learnt will be directly applicable to my degree, due to the nature of the work however I expected this. But a lot of what I did learn relates directly to my degree (CAD, CFD) and will come in handy in my final year, and in my career beyond university.
The Company
Always seemed to be alot of chatting going on, cake everywhere, everyone was nice and friendly, it was easy to approach people and ask for help.
There didn't seem to be too much of a set plan in place for placement students but with every team in the organisation working differently it would be hard to have a distinct plan for students. But my time at the company was monitored by my Team Leader.
Received training for the various computer software I used, other members of the team were always helping me and teaching me to use software whenever I needed help. Was sent on a couple of residential courses also, which were fantastic and very helpful.
Flexi Time
Sports and Social Club
Subsidised/Company Gym
Company Parties/Events
Above 25 days holiday
Working from home
Currently discussing possible sponsorship, but if not will still definately apply and strongly consider a career with DSTL or the wider MoD
The Culture
Really good, work organise events and talks etc for new starters, including socials after work.
Pretty average I believe, housing wasn't too bad.
Not to my taste really, but I'm quite picky with clubs. Quite expensive entry and drinks in most of the busier places, not that much variety.
Played football with people from work quite often, both 5 a side and 11 a side. Went cycling with some other colleagues, played cricket, airsoft etc etc. All well advertised within work and easy to find other people with similar hobbies or to try something new
Details
Placement (10 Months+)
South West
July 2015