Operational Projects Analyst Review

Coming from a technical degree background (Electronic and Electrical Engineering) the initial stages were quite hard for me to come to terms with how different the daily content was. This wasn't particularly aided in that I didn't know what I would be doing once I walked through the doors on the first day. These initial concerns went away very quickly as I met my colleagues and realised what a great bunch of people they are and what fantastic opportunities are available for new starters, especially placement students. I was able to have technical conversations with many of the engineers on site which would feel my appetite for that kind of content. It was interesting stuff to know because of the influence and role of the company within the industry. There are plenty of opportunities for visits and volunteering which added to the overall variety during the placement year.

Everyone who I had contact with in the company weer very nice. There is a great culture around the company where everyone seems to be looking out for each other. My immediate team were great, it really felt like family. I feel I could talk to them about anything and they would really take the time to listen and help. It was very valuable to turn on their experience when things were quite tough. It was epitomised on my 2nd day where it was very touch and go as to whether I'd have somewhere to live the following week. They were very supportive and helpful so I managed to get a decent place where I would be staying the rest of the year.

The year before there was a placement student in my position so my manager/supervisor was very good at providing the kind of support necessary. I had weekly 1:1 meetings with my supervisor (or mentor) where we would discuss the work I've been doing as well as what's going on with life. Additionally, I felt I could also have these conversations with anyone in my team. The guidance of my manager/supervisor was very important, especially during the start of the year when I would encounter difficulties more regularly. I was able to use the advice which was given to use later on in the year. As I went on I encountered fewer problems due to having applied the advice of my colleagues.

At the start I would be doing lots of reading in any dull spells but once your name gets around and things picked up it was fine. It was a projects role so naturally some parts are busier than others, I just learned to manage my time more efficiently.

I was given more responsibility than I thought coming in. I was responsible for delivering projects into the control room to improve their operational efficiency and experience. I would often have to liaise with external suppliers, which means portraying a good image throughout engagement.

It has certainly helped in my time management as I have had to plan timescales for my activities throughout the year. As a result I'll be more disciplined in my final year - wanting to treat it like a job by maintaining a similar routine which worked well for me this year. There have been many opportunities for me to present this year so I will use those improved presentation skills next year for sure.

Jokes flying around everywhere. Everyone caring about each other and treating each other with respect.

Still some stuff that needed to be sorted

Company-wide encouragement to develop skills

Been offered a place on the graduate programme, which sounds amazing having spoken to a lot of them.

Meet-ups with other placement students. Get togethers with some of the graduates. Curry nights with the manager and team.

Living Just east side of Reading. Quite expensive but worth it for the good experience.

Plenty of variety in town. Very lively during term time when the students are about.

Through the sports club there were plenty of opportunities for this. Badminton after work Thursday/Friday and Basketball Wednesday lunchtimes.