Summer Intern 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

3.1/5
  • The Role
    3.8
  • The Company
    3.0
  • The Culture
    2.4

    The Role

  • 1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?
  • I really enjoyed my DSTL summer placement. The atmosphere was relaxed, the work was very interesting, when there was some to do, and there was a good balance between desk work and hands on manufacturing work. There was lots to learn and it will definitely benefit me in future. Well worth it.

    4/5

  • 2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?
  • They listened to my ideas and opinions, answered my questions and always offered to help with things I was unfamiliar with. They were willing to teach me new skills and techniques related to the work I was doing. I was trusted to carry out designs that will be used in the final product.

    4/5

  • 3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?
  • They offered help if I needed it - which was not too often. At times my manager didn't speak to me at all but would speak to me when he had heard people were pleased with my work. Other people around the office were very willing to offer guidance. There wasn't much of a review at the end of it. It would of been nice toi be told some areas to think about improving. More guidance along the way would be good and focussing on progress being made.

    4/5

  • 4. How busy were you on a daily basis?
  • When I was eventually handed some projects to work on I was quite busy as I was fully responsible for them. However - when there was no work to do it would last for several days as you would be waiting for someone to do something for you so that you could move forward. Otherwise there would be nothing else to do.

    3/5

  • 5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?
  • I was completely responsible for the inital stages of 3 projects where I had to complete 3 mechanical designs on CAD - and then rapid prototype them into a functioning product. This would then move over to the electronics people. I had to ensure all of this was done in a tight time frame. I also had to discuss with our customer any changes they may want.

    5/5

  • 6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
  • They will help me greatly as I now have a greater appreciation for the entire design process from concept to finished product. This will help with university courses where design is required. Most of all, the skills I developed on CAD will help. There wasn't much mathematics involved however - which would of been nice to apply practically.

    4/5

    The Company

  • 7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?
  • The atmosphere was nice and relaxed. People would chat with each other and the flexi time meant you could work longer some days and take extra days off. It was never too busy or hectic. People were respectful of eachother and there was good humour all around. People were keen to get to know you.

    4/5

  • 8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?
  • The application and interview process was well organised. So was the security vetting stages and the steps needed before starting work and it was all well communicated. However the internship itself felt a little unstructured. At times it felt like they hadn't planned what to do with me beyond the first week and I stumbled into some projects. It was very much turn up and work for them just like a member of staff rather than a more structured internship.

    3/5

  • 9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
  • 3/5

  • 10. What were the perks on your work placement?
  • Flexi Time

    Subsidised Canteen

    3/5

  • 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?
  • Quite appealing as the work is interesting and worthwhile. The relaxed atmosphere and flexi-time makes a nice change to the stresses of university. The pay is not that great as it is a public sector company but the chances for development and promotion are there. It is in a bit of a remote location too - but quite easy to get into London.

    4/5

    The Culture

  • 12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?
  • Not particularly as we all started and ended our internships at different times and the duration varied so there wasn't much time to get to know some of them. There wasn't really a space for us to meet up but there was a society for graduates to socialise and get to know each other. People in my office went to the pub for lunch which was nice.

    3/5

  • 13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?
  • 3/5

  • 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?
  • 3/5

  • 15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?
  • 2/5

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Details

Internship (1 Month+)

Engineering, Manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering, Product Design

South East

September 2015


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