Resourcer Review

I enjoyed my years placement more than I thought I would, having read previous reviews I was a little apprehensive. However, I was given so many opportunities during my placement, and was treated as thought I was a permanent member of staff. I had the opportunity to venture away from my usual role as a resourcer, into other sectors including university liaison.

I felt like a regular member of staff, I never felt as though I was treated as a lower person simply because I was on my placement. I had the opportunity to go to the REED business school in the Cotswold. Reed really invests in their placement students, like no other company I have seen.

My manager was amazing, she treated me so well and phoned me every day to see how I was doing. Despite calling me every day, it didn't feel as though I was being checked up on. She would call just to see how my day was going, and to check that I was happy and whether I needed any help with anything.

I was as busy as I wanted to be really, which was the nicest part. I had jobs I had to do on a day-to-day basis, however they didn't keep me really busy. So I picked up other jobs which was nice, as it meant I could do other bits and pieces. We were also able to go to other branches, which meant each day could be different.

Again, I was given as much as I wanted. I never felt under pressure to do anything I didn't feel comfortable with, however I was still pushed to be the best I could be. My manager really encouraged me to develop not only as an employee but a person as well.

The research skills that I developed with help me no doubt. I study History & Politics, and whenever I say I did recruitment people always pull a face because they see it as irrelevant, however I think I've learnt many skills which are transferable. Even the ability to skim-read CV's will be helpful, as it will make it easier to read the books and essays quickly and check for errors.

The office I worked in was a 'mega-site', so has roughly 90 people. Therefore, I only interacted with a small portion of the office but the people I did meet were so friendly. There was work drinks every night, if you wanted to go but there was no obligation to go/drink when you were there. Considering, I moved to a brand-new city I never felt lonely!

As I was part of the first intake the placement we were constantly changing the way it was run, this did not mean it was unorganized but that they were willing to change with the needs/environments for each person. Each placement student had a different experience, and this was a good thing as it meant when we got together we could talk about it all!

The training was amazing. REED has the business school in the Cotswold's which is an amazing place, and is the place you go to do the courses. Alongside this, there are also online modules both compulsory and optional to help you through the processes, similarly these were useful. The business school is the perfect environment to learn, as it's a residential of a couple of days with everything paid for with intense learning.

After the placement you are given the opportunity to join the graduate scheme, which I will definitely be doing. The option to do the grad scheme is there, however it is not compulsory and you do not feel forced to do it. Everything you learn on the placement year, is transferable to non-recruitment opportunities as well.

There are socials between the placement students and the grads, which are organised by the team. The social scene in each office is dependent on the office, for me it was great. There was something happening every night if you wanted, with special events such as pub quizzes as well. With the opportunities to travel to different offices, this was social as well.

I moved from Coventry Uni to central London, therefore it was very expensive. However, there are lots of discounts available with REED Reward hub, and people in the office were happy to help suggesting places to eat and go both on a budget and in general. I was also lucky enough to get London waiting as well, which meant it was more than feasible with my student loan added on top.

As mentioned I lived in London, there is night life everywhere you turn. Although the business sector is so quite at the weekends, which was a little strange. I met so many new people, both from work and outside of work. This is the perfect opportunity to move to a city without having to commit to it for a long time, as it is only a placement year.

Yes, as mentioned I had so many opportunities to go out with work colleagues as well as within work. Your colleagues at REED are known as your 'co-members', this is in order to be 'more inclusive' and it is definitely that. I really enjoy going for lunch, because we leave work behind and I will remain in contact with some of the people I have met.