Government economics Review

Gave me a real insight into the government sector. Met some lovely people and the work load was very manageable. A placement/insight gave me the opportunity to see whether I wanted to go into this line of work. Others who had not done one, commented on how they should have some sort of work experience.

Throughout I felt valued with the company. It’s always scary going to a new place and meeting new people. However, everyone was very welcoming and I soon settled right in. If I struggled with something someone was always on hand to help me. I also felt valued with the work load I was given. Some placements just have you running around making cups of tea!

The support I received throughout my insight was invaluable. There was always someone on hand to help me when I was unsure with documents. I was also put in charge of running meetings/presentations at times and whenever I felt out of my depth I knew I could turn to colleagues for help.

The skills and information I’ve learnt at my insight has helped my degree in various ways. My essay writing has improved for one. As well as other skills you might not even consider. Organisation skills, time management. Leading presentations and meetings has enabled me to be confident and professional. All skills which helped towards my degree. While others were stressed about the presentations which contributed towards our grade. It was a breeze to me.

At the start I felt there was not really a structure. For a few days I was shadowing colleagues. I found this quite boring after a while as I’m more someone who learns through doing. However the third day and onwards there was a structured plan for me and I feel my time was used more productively.

The atmosphere was professional and friendly. Everyone knows each other and though it may seem daunting everyone is willing to help if you ask. I did not feel uncomfortable thoughout my work experience like I have in some placements I’ve had. Really glad I chose to do my insight here. Really feel like I’ve learnt a lot.

As mentioned before, I feel the company do invest in each person who comes in for work experience. The workload I was given really showed me how the company valued me and how they believed in me - which was great to see. Some work experience are fearful to let you go near any documents. I got stuck in and from the get go felt the company trusted my judgement.

It has taught me valuable skills and understanding what it would be like to work there. I’m grateful for the opportunity, as I’m more likely to want to work there now than if I had not have done my placement. It was hard transitioning from student life to a working 9-5 job but it was all a good experience.

Being here taught me company values. As a student this insight has given me a glimpse of what company culture is like. Not only this but working culture as well. It has prepared me for working life. Adjusting from student life to waking up at 6am can be a struggle! As well as getting on with colleagues of all ages. It’s a really different environment.

What I did in the day greatly aided my future career path. I feel it has solidified what I want to do. It has given me experience and has enabled me to see whether this occupation and the sector I have chosen is what I want to do in the future.

I was reimbursed for my insight. Which I’m grateful for as I may not have been able to take up this opportunity if it wasn’t. I live quite far away so I feel this was a big factor in deciding which placements I could take and which ones I couldn’t.

There was ample opportunities to network within the company. Everyone knows one another or knows someone in each department. Lunches and after work drinks were perfect to meet other people from the company. Networking events were also there for a more professional setting to meet people. It was a nice contrast.

Personally I found the networking events quite daunting at the start. You have to put yourself out there. Meet and greet people, talk about yourself etc. Which before my placement I found very hard to do. I’m quite shy. However this insight has enabled me to experience working life.

Not really sure about activities related to the company. Through others I found that employees can take time off to do charity work or go to important conferences. Outside of work, after work drinks bought employees closer together and was a way for them to let off steam which I think is pivotal in any company.

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend. Comparing this to previous placements I have done this was definitely up there with one of my favs. Ofcourse it’s always daunting starting a new placement but the people, atmosphere, job made this insight enjoyable and I am considering this for a future/potential workplace.