Summer Intern Review

by Metaswitch Networks

This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.

Rating

3.9/5
  • The Role
    3.9
  • The Company
    4.3
  • The Culture
    3.4

    The Role

  • 1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?
  • I really enjoyed working with Metaswitch, as everyone was really friendly and welcoming, and although the job was challenging, I always had support and help when it was needed, and the challenge made the work fun!

    5/5

  • 2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?
  • I was made to feel that the work I was doing was really valued by the company, and so I was achieving something useful.

    5/5

  • 3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?
  • My manager was excellent, as he was always willing to be consulted if I had a problem, and made sure to check how I was doing regularly. I had weekly status meetings and reports with him, which were really useful to refocus on the tasks in hand, and to ask any questions I had. I also had a mentor, who was available to answer any technical questions (of which there were lot's!). He was great because although he was busy with his own work, he always made time to help me, and encouraged me to come up with solutions wherever possible, rather than just giving me the quick answer.

    3/5

  • 4. How busy were you on a daily basis?
  • How busy I was varied from day to day, but I never felt I was under pressure to complete more than was feasible to do by the deadline. On a few occasions I had a small amount of time without much to do to progress with the task I was working on, because I had to wait for feedback on what I'd done so far. However, there was always something to be doing, for example researching new features of Python in the tutorials.

    4/5

  • 5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?
  • I was given alot of responsibility for the projects I was working on myself, and mostly given a free reign to try to develop them however I thought was best. I presented my idea for the design to my manager and mentor, who then gave me feedback on how to improve it, at which point I then went on to write the code. I was also included in several company meetings, where I was trusted with a surprising amount of confidential information regarding the company.

    4/5

  • 6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
  • Although most of what I have learnt in Python will not be directly relevant to my studies, or to any job outside of this industry, the other skills I have learnt will be constantly applicable elsewhere. As this was my first experience of working in a 'proper job' environment, I have learnt a lot about how a company is run, how to be a good team worker or manager, and I have definitely improved my communication skills, after being involved with many teleconferences and team meetings.

    5/5

    The Company

  • 7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?
  • Although everyone was working hard, there was a surprising amount of amusing conversation in the office, and everyone clearly got on well with everyone else. It was a small office in Chester, so there was quite a close knit feel about it. The Roman soldiers parading along the road outside with hoards of school children always brightened up the day too!

    5/5

  • 8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?
  • I was really impressed with the organisation of the internship. The interview process was very quick, and within a few days of attending the interview, I was made an offer of an internship. I was kept informed of all the arrangements being made, and received my joining details very promptly. Metaswitch have a section of their intranet dedicated to 'new starters', which contained all the information/forms etc. that I needed when I started, and a member of HR was easily contactabl with any problems.

    5/5

  • 9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
  • I have been included in so many different parts of the company, and experienced meetings, teleconferences, design presentations, status meetings etc. My manager and mentor have both spent a considerable part of their time advising me and giving me guidance, and I have learnt to code in Python from scratch.

    5/5

  • 10. What were the perks on your work placement?
  • 3/5

  • 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?
  • I have been recommended for an interview for a full-time job with the company, which should be happening in the next few weeks!

    5/5

    The Culture

  • 12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?
  • Although there were no other interns in Chester, everyone in the office was very welcoming to me, and within the first week I was taken out for 'New Starter' drinks, which was a great opportunity to get to know people a bit better. I also felt included in some small way with the interns at the main office in Enfield, as I was included on their mailing list, so got to hear all their banter and discussions through e-mail.

    5/5

  • 13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?
  • I was lucky enough to be able to live at home and cycle into work every day, so I had a very good deal on living expenses!

    5/5

  • 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?
  • N/A

    3/5

  • 15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?
  • I know there are lots of opportunities for activities in Enfield, but not so much in Chester because it is such a small office. However, this suited me fine, as I have lots of friends in the area, so had plenty to do!

    2/5

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Details

Internship (1 Month+)

North West

July 2011


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