Human Resource Undergraduate Placement Review

It gave me a great insight into a real life working environment and provided me with working experience which will help me when applying for jobs in the future. I was involved in many aspects of both day to day tasks and more unique tasks when they came up.

From day one I was made to feel like part of the team. Everyone was very welcoming and I got the chance to sit down with each team member within the department individually, to get to know them and ask any questions I had.

I received support from my line manager, mentor, the Early Talent Team and my colleagues from start to finish of my placement. The society has a structure in place which ensures that you will always have someone to help you with any problems or questions you may have.

Due to the company itself going through a time of growth, there were times where I had an increase in my workload, however nothing was unmanageable. Your workload is like any other team members, however you are supported if things do get too much.

I was given my own departments to look after, depending on the team I was working with and completed tasks that the department were responsible for too. I was also given both individual and team projects to work on throughout my time here which I balanced with my daily tasks.

As my placement related to my degree, I have been able to put real life examples to theories and literature which I have been taught in the past and will be able to relate to my future studies. I have also grown my understanding for the business sector in general.

Despite the office being a professional environment, it was also somewhere where I felt comfortable. It was easy to concentrate in, however you were not encouraged to be silent and everyone got on really well within the office, which made it a really friendly environment.

Despite the society being fairly new to placement scheme's, I believe it was executed well, with a lot of care and detail. We were involved in projects which allowed us to mix with apprentices and graduates and people high up in the society, which was a highlight in my experience.

I was encouraged to get involved in anything which was going to interest me/develop my confidence etc, whether this was within the department or throughout the society. I had quarterly appraisals with my line managers alongside mentor meetings and 1-2-1's in order to identify my strengths and areas of development.

The company is growing their opportunities for early talent, increasing graduate opportunities and encourage to keep in touch with the business and apply for future roles. Some departments also welcome placement students to continue to work part time whilst going through their last year studies at University.

As the company has 2 offices, some placements were based in different locations, however events both within and outside of the society were encouraged. You get to meet all placement students, graduates and apprentices who start the same time on your first day to get to know each other.

Everything is fairly cheap, apart from parking. However, if you live within walking distance of the offices or have access to busses and metro's it is very affordable to work at the society.

There are endless options for places to go on a night out around the area. It has bars, pubs, restaurants and clubs, all with a range of price points and for many occasions.

The society offer a 'Staff Association' membership which you can pay £2 a month for, which offers you discount for events happening within the region.