Power Academy Student Review

The placement was really enjoyable. I got an insight into the business and have learnt a lot. The atmosphere in the office was really friendly with people willing to help me with any difficulties. There was also a number of site visits and a seminar for all the interns from different companies within the power industry - a good opportunity to get an insight to what other companies do.

I feel my colleagues valued my work and appreciated what I have done. They asked many questions and it appeared to me that they were interested in the work I was doing. In the end of the placement we had a presentation to the other interns and HR and then a technical presentation to the department I was working in. My manager and the other people working in the department gave the feedback on the work I have done and expressed they appreciation.

My manager was really helpful with the project I was carrying out. He met with me on regular basis to gave me some feedback and guidance on my work at the same time giving me freedom and allowing me to be creative. He directed me quite often and let me see the problem from the different perspectives. He also gave me a broader insight into the business and the projects that he has done in the past and were similar to mine

The amount of work was really good and it really feels like the company takes care of the employees having a good work-life balance. I always had time to take a coffee break or grab a lunch with other interns and there has not been a situation that I had to sacrifice my private plans to stay longer in the office. The working hours were also not too strict and as long as I got my work done everything was okay.

My project was an innovation project and I was asked to prepare the basis for the project funding. It meant I had my responsibilities but also it has not been too much. I was not stressed but I was also busy and I knew what I had to complete. I would say the level of responsibility I was given was exactly how it should be for an intern student.

My placement was about combining electrical and electronics engineering and that is exactly what my degree is. It was really good putting my knowledge into practice and learning new skills and getting new knowledge. I benefited a lot from the site visits and all the presentations given by different managers in the office and it let me see how the industry actually works. I will definitely take it back to my university studies.

The general atmosphere in the office was really good with most of the people willing to help with my work and with people being happy to explain to me what they are doing on the daily basis. People were very friendly and talkative. We also had a pub social for the whole department organised to happen before all the intern students are away.

The placement was organised very well by the HR and the managers. The only minor problem was that my manager name was misspelled and therefore he did not receive a few emails regarding the placement and the organisation of personal development of the interns. All the other things were well-organised with the laptop, desk, passes and all the documents and instructions waiting for me from the beginning.

The company sponsored all the site visits and gave the opportunity for getting a deeper insight into business by organising crash courses for the interns. We also were given the opportunity to go for a two day long seminar to meet other interns from the power business. The company gives us a scholarship and a book and software allowance during the year that let me invest in my personal development and my interest a lot.

The future employment prospects within the company are very appealing with the freedom of movement between the departments and good graduate scheme. There are different parts of the business that I can identify the opportunities in and a perspective of having a very rewarding career. The challenges the company is facing at the moment are quite big and there is lots of innovation going on so the work in the company seems to be very interesting.

There was a fantastic social scene amongst fellow placement student and we would socialise with them a lot going to the pub, having a movie night or playing sports. We also had a few trips organised by them and they were always happy to grab a coffee in the office just to have a chat about the work they do and how do they see the company and their careers.

The cost of living was good with the living expenses being not too high. The variety of shops offered a good prices range and a wide choice. The prices in the restaurants were normal with takeaway fast food prices being a bit too high. The prices in the pubs and clubs were standard and in general I can not complain.

The nightlife was very good with a variety of clubs open till the very morning hours. The place also seems to be quite safe so there has not been an issue with walking home alone during the night or after a night out. Nightlife essentials - fast food places - were also always open.

Yes, the onsite gym and dancing studio provided these opportunities. I have also organised activities like kayaking, volleyball or football together with other interns.