Data Science and Analytics Business Placement Review

My placement at British Airways was amazing. I learnt so much about the industry, was able to develop a variety of skills and gain an understanding of what it's like to work for a leading British brand. The airline industry is exciting, challenging and rewarding place to work, and throughout my placement I had an increasing sense of pride to work for British Airways

From the beginning of my placement, I was challenged and given projects that had a real impact on the business. This meant that I always felt the work I did was valued. At the end of projects I would always present back my work to stakeholders, and I liked that I was allowed to take ownership for my own work, even in front of important clients. My stakeholders and team always made a really effort to give me feedback.

Every week I had a one to one meeting with my team leader to discuss how I was progressing with my projects. In these meetings I was able to receive feedback, discuss how I'd like to progress and discuss any personal issues. I felt very comfortable going to my team leader for help and support.

Throughout the placement I generally felt that I was busy and challenged enough. At British Airways there was always ability to do additional training and I also was able to ask for more work when I needed it. It was only towards the end of the placement that I felt I needed more work, but this was understandable as I was about to leave, hence they couldn't give me too many new projects.

I was given a lot of responsibility during my placement. I had to manage multiple stakeholder relationships, present to important clients and represent the company in front of key suppliers. I believe I was given the same amount of responsibility as those on graduate schemes, I was never thought of as a placement student.

Undoubtedly what I have learnt at British Airways will assist me in the rest of my career. The skills I have learnt in coding, analysing and presenting data have set me up perfectly for a career in data analysis. Additionally, the soft skills I have developed, such as communication, presentation and team work, will help in my studies, in my future career and in my everyday life.

The office is a friendly and enjoyable place to be. There are obviously stressful days when deadlines are approaching, however in general it is a relaxed environment to work in. There is ability to be flexible with work hours. There are always activities and forums to attend, that bring the whole company together.

It was well organised from the start, I always was in contact with the placement coordinator in HR. In our first week, all the business placement students had a corporate induction together to settle us into the company, and then we went off to our various positions across the business to begin training there.

In our first week, all the business placement students had a corporate induction together, which allowed us to get to know one another and develop a broad knowledge of the company. After that, I went into my position in the Analytics department, who gave me a 3 week training program along with the graduates who had just started. Throughout the year, there was lots of ability to do additional training courses in areas that I wanted to develop.

I am very excited to be going onto the Data Science and Analytics graduate scheme, at British Airways, in September 2019. I cannot wait to develop on from what I have learnt in my placement year, and I am very grateful that they have given me the opportunity to continue my career with them, as I feel I still have so much to learn and offer.

Throughout the year there were lots of opportunities to socialise with my colleagues and fellow placement students, be that as Christmas parties, after work meals/drinks, park runs, camping trips and team away days. Myself and the other placement students also decided to raise money for British Airways charity Flying Start, so we were able to socialise a lot during all out charity fundraisers.

The cost of living and socialising in London is expensive. However the benefit of British Airways location (near Heathrow) meant I was able to live in West London, which is not as expensive as the rest of London. Unfortunately, if you choose to work in London, it is not a cheap place to live, however you get the London living wage to compensate.

There is no nightlife directly near British Airways headquarters as the offices are based very close to Heathrow. However there is lots of opportunity to go to the local pubs and restaurants after work with colleagues, or take the tube into central London, in order to experience nightlife in the capital.

There are so many opportunities to get involved in at British Airways. There is an onsite gym, there are lots of sports clubs and societies. There are also endless opportunities to get involved with if you want to raise money for British Airways charity Flying Start. Every year they organise a Tough Mudder, 5k and 10k runs, bake sales and much more. You can even organise your own event if you want the challenge.