Mechanical Engineering Summer Intern Review

I am interning with E&M at DLR. I do data input and analysis: creating different databases of information on different aspects of the railway. I also use software to simulate thermal energy transfers and determine cooling for sites. I frequently visit sites to learn about all different aspects of the line and to get experience in how to do survey work that then correlates to office work I am doing.

I feel like I was given an appropriate amount of responsibility. The tasks I am given are not things that are going to matter if they go wrong but they are things which can be used in the future if I do them well.

I have been able to take courses on lots of things like how to use AI effectively and Non-Trackside Training and have learnt some new software. They are very open to you doing any internal or external training you can find.

I got a lot of support at the beginning, everyone is so friendly and happy to help. I have a mentor, buddy, lead sponsor and placement manager all of whom would be happy to help with anything. I got less specific guidance throughout as I got more comfortable but had weekly catch ups with my manager and regular chats with my buddy (a 2nd year Graduate).

Everyone is so welcoming and friendly. They encourage you to look after yourself and do what is best for you. Its flexible as to when you are in the office. The Early Careers community is fairly big and runs frequent events for you to get to know other people. I'm also good friends with the other interns on my scheme. Generally, it's a great atmosphere.

I loved my placement. It really made me feel confident in my ability to work in the future and gave me invaluable experiences in the workplace.

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