This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.
Rating
-
The Role
-
The Company
-
The Culture
- 1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?
- 2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?
- 3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?
- 4. How busy were you on a daily basis?
- 5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?
- 6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
- 7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?
- 8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?
- 9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
- 10. What were the perks on your work placement?
- 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?
- 12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?
- 13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?
- 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?
- 15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?
The Role
My placement was fantastic. I was given jobs of responsibility that helped advance both myself and the company. I was able to fully experience the business and connect with many associates in the industry. I was able to learn and use the product as well as experience many different aspects of the business.
I felt very valued by my colleagues. There was mutual respect that grew further as time went on. Within a short period I was no longer seen as a placement student and was just an associate of the company. I was included in many conversations that were, in some cases, higher level than for placement students.
My manager provided a good amount of support. If I had any questions, he would answer them. And if not, somebody else in the team would normally be able to help and explain. If I was overworked at any point, other members of the department were happy to be delegated to.
Due to specific projects, taking place over the year, my busyness fluctuated. Most of the time I would have something to do but it was very rare that I felt over worked. Only during specific phases of projects did I have to stay particularly late to get ahead of the curve.
Some may argue that during my placement I had too much responsibility. I was able to work with high levels in projects and dealt with results and reports that had a direct impact on the plants KPIs. All of this was done, however, through my manager. This allowed for security with my many responsibility.
With regards to life beyond university, the placement was a great experience that has massively helped prepare me for work after university. It has given me a proper insight into a job in the industry. With respect to the university course itself, there was very little of my studies integrated into the role.
The Company
The office was very friendly. Upon welcome, if I had an questions, everyone was happy to help. Even with the lots of work going on, a lightheartedness was maintained in the office to which everyone felt comfortable in. Support and guidance was provided, by everyone, to everyone in the office space.
Due to a requested early start to my placement, there were many issues with my arrival. Most of these were issues in the HR side and nothing to do with the office itself. I had many issues with access at the beginning, and end of my placement due to another error in the system in my last month.
After having many different driving experiences as well as a driving course, from that side there is no complaint. I also did a lot of other training on the side, as well as learning on the job, that will be very useful in the future.
Company Parties/Events
Staff Sales/Staff Shop
Above 25 days holiday
In my specific office there is very unlikely to be any possible roles in the future. The placement has however aloud me to make connections which may be useful in the future when looking for a role. With the advantage of such a large network, some of these connections are not just at the plant I stayed in.
The Culture
There were many social events hosted that allowed for the placement students to get together and socialise.
My placement was in Oxford, as is my university. This means I am used to the slightly over priced situation that takes place in Oxford. After being here for around 3 years, there are a few techniques to get around over spending.
Again, as a student in Oxford as well as the placement taking place there, I have many friends in the city. This meant the nightlife can always be fun.
As an avid rock climber and cyclist, I can't complain about what Oxford offers.
Details
Placement (10 Months+)
South East
July 2019