Blend Test Services Placement Student Review

The year was highly enjoyable and allowed me develop massively as a person. I want to work in the sector so I already had a slight interest so I found the work very interesting as well as enjoyable

I felt very well integrated and was treated like a full time member of staff. I was allowed to contribute massively and was allowed to lead a project that could have massive savings for the whole business. I was an integral part of the team as some of the testing conducted was long duration where team work and communication was vital.

I would have regular one to ones with my supervisor and was able to talk to him and my manager about any issues or problems and they would provide support if needed

There was always something to do which was great, whether it be in the lab or in the office. During this time I was able to develop my project and time management skills greatly

I was responsible for the tests I was trained on. Took the lead on an energy savings project where I had to have meetings with the appropriate managers to ensure the plan was followed after me leaving

I have been able to manage my masters research project along with my coursework and other responsibilities. Had training on presentations and posters which will definitely benefit during my masters year in which I have to do both. Throughout the year I was able to develop my adaptability and flexibility along with communication skills.

There was the right atmosphere within my office that allowed time spent in the office to be productive

Since they have had placement students for such a long time the process for me was pretty seamless. I had an overlapping period with the student that I was taking over from and they knew what project I was going to be working on during my placement

They invested in me greatly as having weekly one to ones with my supervisor I was enabled to discuss my development in great detail and could target further development opportunities

As I want to work in this sector it would be great to work there again

There were around 25-30 students on placement from different universities and different subjects which enabled a great social scene amongst the students

As I was in Derby there were plenty of cheapish places to go out and things to do. We had the peaks and Alton Towers near by which was pretty good

The nightlife was good, with a great group of people it was what you made it really. There were plenty of pubs and bars and a few clubs but Nottingham was only a short bus journey away for an even better night

I was a STEM ambassador for the year and so was involved in some events with the local schools. I was in the Hazelwood environment team, which is where I was able to lead the energy savings project There were plenty of events arranged by the sports and social club which allowed us to socialise with everyone