Pros
Exposure to some really interesting work, which one would not find in other engineering professional. Even from the off we were entrusted which a wide range of task in a range of different disciplines. Flexi-time was 'flexi' in the truest sense. Literally could work any hours of the day you fancy and were able to accumulate enough hours to take a few extra days off here and there. Working on 6 months placements was a good way to experience a range of work in different teams/groups within the division.
Cons
Progressing onto the next career level was known to difficult. Basically had to fulfil most the criteria before receiving a promotion. Often people would leave beforehand, since applying for an entirely new job was found to be easier. A mentioned in other reviews the salary was below industry average. Also appear that the MOD civil servants bore the brunt of the pay cap which was frustrating. By the nature of the work at Dstl, I was concerned that my skills and experiences would only be useful within the defence related career and not be transferable elsewhere. The sites were pretty inaccessible and generally located in 'uninteresting' places in the country for a young grad.
