Statistics Sandwich Student Review
by Office for National Statistics
This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.
Rating
-
The Role
3.8
-
The Company
2.8
-
The Culture
2.6
- 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
I really enjoyed it. Working in the Civil Service was rewarding as it is work that influences the entire nation, and the work I helped produce was used by many different people.
They would always pass work onto me, they were very friendly and open despite being older than me. Managers were approachable also.
My line manager sat next to me and would give me plenty of on the job training. She would help me when I didn't know what to do and teach me as she went along.
As the nature of the work was quarterly publications and three focus on publications, when I was busy I was very busy. However once a publication had been released, it was quiet. I would use this time to attend courses or write my placement diary.
I was project manager of one of our publications, and given my own research project to work on.
Lots of on the job training from colleagues, as well as many training courses held within the Civil Service that were open for all to attend. Some were directly related to Statistics and others were more general work skills such as giving presentations.
The Company
Relaxed, open, friendly, plenty of cake as there was always a birthday!
Quite poor in receiving information. Didn't hear back about my department or manager for a good 4 months after my job offer. HR need to communicate better.
I have gained many skills which I can use in my degree as well as in a future job.
Flexi Time
Subsidised Canteen
Sports and Social Club
National Travel
Company Parties/Events
Working from home
Travel loan
Civil Service do not offer jobs to people who have worked there on placement. Have to reapply through the Fast Stream or Main Stream entry routes. I was given a lot information about these from colleagues who had applied through either route, but nothing that would really give me anything more than a little heads up.
The Culture
Only 4 placement students in my office. Would have been nice to have more!
Cost of living was fine, not so difficult to get to places as Portsmouth and Southampton were very close by.
I only really socialised by visiting my uni as the town was pretty small and doesn't have much. Portsmouth and Southampton are good places to go out though!
I did some charity work and volunteering in a school. My team had a running club, I probably took part about 3 times in the year I was there!
Details
Placement (10 Months+)
Government
South East
November 2015
