Power Academy Scholar Review

I highly enjoyed my work placement this year with National Grid. The opportunity to work within the System Operator allowed me to discover more about the role that National Grid plays in the energy industry whilst providing me with relevant industry experience. Overall, for anyone considering applying to National Grid I couldn't recommend it enough.

My colleagues were very supportive; offering assistance as required and really made me feel like one of the team. On occasion, I was tasked with running team hub meetings which gave me the opportunity to find out more about other projects that team members were working on. My team made me feel valued by asking how I was progressing through my assigned project and by offering further insights into how things could be delivered.

My line manager was very supportive through the whole process and made it clear that he would always be available for questions. Since it was a final placement he gave me the chance to work more independently and to make my own decisions as required. I appreciated being given this type of responsibility in a work placement and feel that it really helped build up my confidence.

What sets National Grid apart from other companies is that during a placement you will be assigned a specific project to deliver. This meant that at the end of my placement I had a tangible output to deliver. While this seemed daunting at first that was not the case. The assigned projects are well balanced and still allow for the occasional site visit throughout the placement. I managed to attend 5 full day site visits throughout my placement with a standard working day of 08:30-16:30.

I was given a considerable amount of responsibility as an intern. Every intern has a project to deliver to there respective department or business area which are designed to add value to the company. The projects are not simply bust work, they are real projects that would have to be completed whether you were there or not. Having the opportunity to add value to the company in this way is very rewarding and makes the work more interesting.

My work placement gave me the opportunity to learn more both about National Grid as a whole and the role it plays as the System Operator. Working alongside power system engineers and finding out about the challenges they face on a daily basis was very interesting. Many topics that I discussed with team members is now being discussed in engineering lectures. Furthermore, attending presentation training sessions and practising presentations has made me a more confident public speaker.

The atmosphere was professional yet relaxed. Dress code with business (tie optional) and every Friday was casual wear. Everyone was very friendly and wanted to see that you were having a good placement and would offer help if required. Some departments have a different feel from others, some are very talkative while others are quiet with everyone wearing headphones. My team was a bit louder and busier, though that just made it more interesting to be in. If you needed a quieter place, study booths and rooms were available.

The work placement was set up pretty well. Some issues with security passes meant that we were required to hold on to our employment contract to enter the building every day. Communication was good when we arrived for our placement though rather sporadic before we got there. Overall it was well organised with a couple of minor improvements it would be perfect

National Grid invests very highly in personal development. With both an interim and final review of the placement to ensure you are progressing well with your development, it is clear that it is something the company highly values. Your personal development plan is looked at during these reviews and steps are suggested as to how you can achieve your goals.

Future employment opportunities with the company are very bright. Since National Grid is a natural monopoly it is not going away anytime soon. This job security combined with the copious amount of benefits as well as personal and professional development opportunities makes National Grid a great company to work for.

The social scene during the placement was great. There was a group of 10 interns together in the nearby town of Leamington. We met up basically every day of the placement, after work and during the weekend we went on day trips to London or Birmingham or just relaxed in the park or a local pub for a spot of pool.

The cost of living is higher than where I study at university, though that is to be expected in England. Most of us spent about £400-500 on rent and copious amounts more on 'socialising'. For reference: Peroni £4.50 Carling £3:75 and Heineken around £3:90. The cost of socialising was as much or as little as you were capable of.

The nightlife was not too bad, Birmingham and London are a train ride away. As for Leamington; the 2 major clubs are not dreadful if you're prepared for them. There are lots of smaller bars with rooftop terraces which are decent.

There are numerous club posters in work where you can get involved with all that sort of stuff and join. Since I was there for 8 weeks I didn't have the chance to get involved.