Hardgoods Design IP Student Review

I had two managers during my placement and they both helped me with anything I needed. The process of transition from one to the other was a bit confusing but it all worked out in the end. Lovely people in the team, amazing treatment and wonderful atmosphere in the office.

It varied depending on the month.

We were treated like any other worker here. We were counted on, relied upon and trusted. Of course, we were given room for error as we were only students after all, but our work was extremely valued and appreciated. I always felt respected and there was only time and space for my ideas to be heard.

The amount of technical skills I have acquired is beyond imaginable, especially when it comes to CAD Software. I have also acquired industrial knowledge as well as commercial awareness. I really value the day-to-day skills gained as well, such as reliability, responsibility, independence thinking, creative thinking, problem solving, punctuality, etc.

Wonderful, friendly and relaxed atmosphere at all times. I would easily highlight this as the best part of my placement. I was lucky enough to have lovely, funny, bright and kind colleagues who were absolutely always willing to go the extra mile to help me. They would always give up their time to explain concepts and ideas to me, which was especially appreciated at the beginning.

As I mentioned earlier, the manager I started working for left the company a few months in and I had to be transferred to another one. The transition period between them was a bit hard and I do not think we reached our full potential during those 2 months. Besides that, I think there could have definitely ben a clearer structure all long - we mostly got on with tasks as they were given to us.

So, so, so, so, much. The amount of trainings and workshops we were signed up to was immense. I was surprised, and very pleased, to see such a big corporation invest so much in students and young professionals. We went to different sites across the country as well, all expenses covered.

The department I worked for was quite small, so I do not think there is any room for me to come back. However, 3M is a huge organization that operates across many different countries and I definitely consider the possibility of applying for another role (maybe elsewhere?) after I graduate. I am sure having worked for 3M before would give me a slight advantage in future application processes.

Yes! I lived with three other placement students and in Loughborough we were a total of 6 in Loughborough. Across the UK, we were about 30, who we regularly met when we attended training sessions and other events. They were all lovely, bright and lively, and it was a pleasure to get to know them.

It was all good. I worked in Loughborough, which is full of cheap student housing and student offers to take advantage of. I paid just as much as I paid in Swansea, where I go to university, if that helps get an idea of the range of prices we are talking about.

Yes, not many organised by 3M but living in a University town had its perks. We were allowed to take part in most of Loughborough University's clubs and societies and we got to socialise with other students. In respects to 3M, it organised several winter and summer socials, as well as football matches.