Undergraduate Trainee - Engineering Governance Review

I loved working for E.ON over the summer. I was exposed to a variety of technologies which the company offers to customers and included in important meetings related to the projects I was working on. I only wish that the scheme was a little more structured for some of my colleagues and a bit longer!

From day 1 I was taken in by my team and wider afield - like all jobs you're introduced to a 1001 different people (some of which you'll never meet again) but its goo to get a grasp of whos in the team, what people do and over time you learn how your work fits in with theirs.

My line manager was fantastic! He was very driven and had a lot of work himself, let alone coordinating a summer and year-long placement student too... The work that he set had a real purpose. Halfway through my placement, the course of my work adapted to help give me support and exposure to areas of the business that linked to my dissertation work (which I would start after the placement).

I was definitely kept busy, but not to the point that I was overworked. There was the occasional slow day when I was waiting for other people to get back to me, but this kind of thing happens in the 'world of work'.

In the second week of my placement, I was given the opportunity to give a presentation to key stakeholders in my project, including senior leaders of the organisation. A lot of the work was self-driven and self-management is definitely important to make sure you stay focussed and on track with the workload

My manager was very good at setting me tasks that were new (and taught me new techniques) but also enabled me to develop my soft skills like report writing (for industry, not academic) and presentation ability. However, I was also introduced to technologies and information which would help support my MSc studies and dissertation when I finished the placement.

The work-life balance was excellent if the office. The age demographic was varied which made for great conversation, but everyone was focussed so there were quiet periods where we all just got on with it. I was fortunate that there were a number of people in the team (and in the office) at all times so I could stretch my legs and catch up with them about work at any point.

There was no clear structure for the placement, which benefited me very well! But I think if I was in a different situation then I would look for more structure and almost like a timeline of events and milestones is should aim for. It also depends on the nature of your line manager, so I got lucky!

On the first day, I was set up with everything I needed to succeed. Over the short time period, I was there, there was not much time to do extra training however they provide the resources and links necessary to complete a range of MOOCs to help support interests you may find or have.

The grad scheme is currently being reviewed however it is still likely that E.ON will offer grad schemes to those that they have already invested time and money into. The grad schemes that E.ON offer look great. I love the idea of returning here for a 2-year grad scheme when I complete my MSc.

I set up and organised the first social 2 weeks into the placement with a big turnout. As we have a number of offices (Nottingham, Coventry, London, etc...) the undergrads are often spread out across the country, so it's not always possible to get everyone together. But there are Early Careers Community days organised for undergrads and grads where we can network with one another.

I'm from Leeds which is pretty cheap and go to Sheffield Uni which is a bit cheaper; Nottingham was not ludicrously priced for housing or socialising either. I actually live in Kirkby-in-Ashfield as its closer to work so I can walk to work... Overall I can't complain about the price of living in Nottingham, but other areas (London) are inherently expensive...

The nightlife was great, good nights out with other undergrads and lots to do during the day on weekends too. Really had a great time to say it was only 10-weeks long! As Nottingham is a really student heavy city, there are lots of bars and places to socialise across the city.

I was aware of sports and social club running in the head office at Coventry, but we didn't have anything like that in Nottingham which is a shame, to be honest. I was kept busy by other hobbies and interests I had but nothing related or inspired by the people I worked with.