Customer Outcomes Undergraduate Student Review

I have extremely enjoyed completing my placement at Newcastle Building Society. There were many opportunities offered to enhance my development here - including project work, fundraising events, volunteering days etc. I have built a great network of colleagues and made some friends for life. Not only has my placement been professionally engaging but it has enjoyable and incurred moments of fun along the way.

As I built such a strong network of colleagues from both my departmental team and wider business, I felt that I was highly valued by most. Most individuals were willing to help others out and when returning the favour, this was usually appreciated and thought highly of doing.

Initially when I started my placement at the Society, there was a lot of uncertainty in my role and responsibilities. I entered NBS without any form of training plan or objectives which at first was challenging as I was unaware of what and where I was of value. I was given tasks that I had a week(s) to complete, however these were tasks that I found simple and usually completed within a day maximum - I felt that the management of my team did not know where to place me in department. Luckily, my other colleagues and members of my team got me involved in the work they were completing and I was keeping busy at times when my manager had not guided me in work completing towards some objectives.

At the start of my placement, I struggled to be busy for a couple of months (this links to the previous question of what extent of support was I given by my manager). During September - December, I would not consider myself busy as I was using this time to learn more about the business and complete tasks that did not take a lot of time. I was then given my Early Talent Project which was probably the main kick-start to my work at NBS. I was completing/managing the project, completing departmental tasks (that I was beginning to grow confidence in), attending meetings/workshops and taking on additional tasks to help others out. Again, around March-July I found myself extremely busy on most days due to the project deadline getting closer and a reduction in the number of staff on department. I think the extent of business completely depends on your role and responsibilities within the Society.

I was given lots of responsibilities, especially in project work. My manager had much trust in me for completing work in my own way within my own deadline, as she felt I was aware of what was expected of me. Most items of work that I have completed, I had complete responsibility of.

The skills I have enhance / developed will be massively beneficial to my degree as I feel they are skills that will be relevant throughout my career regardless of the industry. For example team work, project management, time management, presentational, problem solving, data handling, spreadsheet managing etc. These are skills that I have rapidly strengthened and feel confident in doing all, along with various others. Regarding content and the context of the Society, I feel that this is limited to my degree as a North-East based finance firm is not entirely relatable to international management. I feel that the training and tasks that I have completed were not aided around management and believe that this could have been embedded better within my time at NBS.

In regards to the entire Head Office, there was a great vibe where everyone was friendly and it was a nice atmosphere to work within. On my floor, the office vibe different daily, where sometimes it was lively and engaging although other times it was silent and portrayed a strange vibe. I do believe that behaviour is deemed acceptable or not based on your department and role, where I have personally experience a level of unfairness in the office on my floor.

As previously stated, I had no objectives or training plan when entering the Society which meant my first few months were slow and not entirely valuable. Regarding the Early Talent Programme, although this could have been managed better, this was one of the only things that encouraged structure to my placement. I think the overall organisation could be improved, especially within my department.

I believe that the wider training and development for Early Talent colleagues was great and we could see the value this would have on the Society - through so many individuals being recruited for this area alone. Regarding my individual training and development, I feel that the company were not greatly 'invested' in me. They did things for me but nothing out of the norm.

NBS is a great place to work, especially if you are wanting somewhere to work in the finance industry who provides a great work ethic and environment. There are always opportunities within the business and development is encouraged, therefore once you are internal then there are always other departments that you could develop into. I feel that certain individuals fit into the Society better than others, therefore many people would enjoy working here.

Any engagement that the placement students / Early Talent colleagues had was great, however this was very limited and it has taken around 10months to get one casual night sorted outside of work. I feel that the Society could help improve this, by creating an individual who is responsible for the social element of the experience and therefore can help others mingle from the outset of starting at NBS. Personally I have made some close friends who I see outside of work and at work social events, however it would be better if this could have been with a larger group.

Living and socialising within Newcastle is expensive dependent on where you live and go. I was living in a studio which was more expensive than most other accommodation for students. Socialising was dependent on work and the events that were happening, I have not went out this year as much as normal due to work hours and money priorities being limited regarding social events.

Newcastle is a great night out and is my usual place to go regarding nightlife so I was already familiar with this. My place of work is located central in town within the city centre therefore very close to restaurants, bars and clubs.

Yes but there should be more! I attended multiple staff quizzes outside of work and a Christmas party, all of which were great! I feel there should be more of these events as they always have a great turn out in numbers of people and everyone always encourages more.