Project Development Power Academy Placemnt Review

I have thoughouly enjoyed my two month placement at National Grid over the summer. I was partially expecting to be completing admin tasks or 'jobs that nobody else has time for or wants to do'. However, this was not the case I was given a project to complete and loved doing so.

I felt very valued by my colleagues. Most of the team that I worked with had not had the experience of working with a student on placement before however from the very start of the placement they welcomed me into the team. they were more than happy to help with any questions that I had and upon completing my final presentation I feel they valued the work I had completed and thewy had learned something from me.

My line manager was excellent with me. we had weekly progress check ups. This was just in the form of an informal meeting once a week in which my progress was checked and feedback given. it was also made clear to me that I could ask for help at any time, even if my manager was out of the office.

I have been very busy the majority of the time on placement. In the first month, the workload went up and down. However, in the second month I was constantly busy. This was a positive as I am here to learn. I was kept busy without ever feeling stressed at increased workloads.

My task at National Grid was to complete a business case for a new technology. Within this, it was my responsibility to ensure the team that I was working in learned something from my work. Other than this there was not many other responsibilities given to myself however for a first placement this was enough.

The work that I completed in my time at National Grid did not directly tie in with Uni work. The knowledge I gained was more beneficial on the soft skills side. the soft skills I have learned during my time at National Grid will benefit myself majorly when returning to uni and working in group projects etc

There was a positive atmosphere in the workplace. My company are currently going to a large restructure, I would have thought that this would have impacted spirits however most members of staff were still cheery and happy to engage in conversations. The office was always hardworking yet able to have a little fun to get you through the day.

The placement went very smoothly. It was clear that everything had been thought out within the placement. We were welcomed in training days off site, this had been organized successful. upon arriving at the office there was a laptop etc waiting on me to start my work and everyone that should have been expecting me was.

I was given a Personal Development Plan. This was reviewed two times by my line manager, my placement manager and a member of staff from the training academy. Feedback was given on how to improve the plan. The plan helped me remain focused on my own personal objectives for the placement.

The grad scheme is widely advertised within the company. I feel speaking to colleagues that this placement places myself in a good position to be considered from the grad scheme. it does not guarantee a place however by being involved in the company already I have gave myself a greater chance.

I cannot praise National Grid enough in this category. On my placement, the power academy there are 9 students, there are also other schemes run by the company that involve students. The company ensured that all these schemes were brought together in the early stages of the program. This was fantastic as we were all moving away from home so being introduced to people of similar ages and interests was great.

The cost of living was quite expensive. Housing was expensive and to socialize at the weekend was also expensive. The company do recognize this. if given a place on the grad scheme, students are provided with a housing bursary. This is a mssive perk of working for the company as living in Leamington Spa costs a lot.

There were a few clubs which were busy at the weekend. there was also a few bars which were always very busy. it was expensive yet always busy at weekends. I come from Glasgow so the nightlife was incomparable however it was much better than I had expected following a google search before my placement.

there was lots of activities to get involved with outside of work. there were numerious sports clubs that students could get involved with. In addition to this there was lots of lectures/talks/entertainment that was made available through an internal website. I personally wasn't involved however it was made clear that the option was there.