Business Performance Process Analyst Review

It's been such an amazing year that I'm a little bit gutted about having to go back to Uni! I've learned an incredible amount but also had great fun with a great group of friends. Day to day my tasks would change, giving me a chance to practice different and new skills. We have all been encouraged to learn more by visiting other areas of the business, including out on site.

I felt part of the team very quickly and I will be making sure to keep in contact after I leave. They've been supportive and caring through the whole year. I've built strong relationships with not only my immediate team, but various graduates, management and colleagues in other areas of the business.

National Grid provided an outstanding support network to help us during our 12 months. We were all paired with a graduate 'Buddy' before we started so we felt comfortable starting. I absolutely love my Placement Manager, she has focused so much time and effort in my development and ensured that I've made the most out of this year.

The pace of work fitted me really well, my manager and I had frequent catch ups to ensure I was performing well and had all the support I needed. If I felt like too much work was coming my way, it was very easy for me to speak to the team and get the help I needed.

It didn't take long for my team to trust my standard of work, which led to me being involved with important projects. I've spoken to high level management at events (that I designed & created all materials for!) on behalf of my team and also produced work that will be used across the business even after I go.

My development plan this year has pushed me to improve my organization, time management and prioritization - all vital skills for my final year when I'll need to balance my time between part-time work, coursework, dissertation and revision. I'm confident that my CV is now very attractive to future employees, giving me a massive head start for when I finish Uni.

My team all get on really well, frequently getting involved with all sorts of initiatives together - from the health challenge Take 5, to the 10,000 steps a day challenge. As much as we could all have a great laugh together, we could also knuckle down when we needed to.

Before entering the office, we all had training together where we were told how the year would be run. All my equipment was ready to go as soon as I walked in and everything has been at the same standard since. This year we formed a Student Quality Improvement Group, which gave us a chance to continue to improve the scheme. I've already been able to see our ideas implemented and working better!

I had several reviews with my manager and quarterly reviews with the student development team that were solely focused on me. I'm leaving a completely different (much better!) person than when I started. As a group, we have had professional training at the start, throughout and at the end. We were also able to organize our own training, for example I signed up to a presentation skills course, which National Grid supported me to go on.

I've got a space on the graduate scheme which is a guaranteed job when I leave Uni. This has saved me so much stress from my final year so I can concentrate on my studies. The graduate scheme at National Grid is absolutely incredible and I cannot wait to come back!

Us placement students made an effort to see each other outside of work as much as possible and will all keep in contact when we leave. We get on so well and never stop laughing. I've also spent time with my colleagues outside of work for various celebrations and activities.

Leamington Spa can be a bit pricey to live in, but once you figure out where to go, there are nice little spots to eat/drink at that don't cost a fortune. Many of us chose to live together, which brought the cost down from living alone. Just outside the centre, prices are much cheaper and the commute still isn't too bad. National Grid have a free shuttle bus back and forth the Leamington Spa train station to their Warwick office.

The area isn't the same as being at Uni, there aren't many students around. Although there aren't many clubs, there are plenty of nice bars and pubs around that you can go to. I wasn't far from Coventry (my Uni) so I could easily have a night out with friends there.

There are lots of clubs at work that you can get involved in. There was everything from meditation to maths club - including various sports teams! We are all encouraged to get involved with volunteering too, so I've spent time at a school to promote STEM subjects, National Grid and opportunities available to them.