Human Fcators Undergraduate Review

I had multiple projects at different stages in the design process, this made for a very enjoyable experience as I was able to expand my knowledge and skills in the various different tasks that are needed in order for the design to progress to the next stage. I was also privileged to get hands on experience in experiments and user testing allowing me to gain an insight into what feedback is needed.

from the first day I was made to feel part of the team, by being included in socials and different teams within the projects I was working on. People from other departments valued my work and opinions and passed on relevant information to external companies validating my skills and abilities to perform the work I had been given.

The department is very open to offering support to any member of the team that needs help no matter what level role you were working at. Guidance and support was always available and I was never made to feel like I was a hindrance by asking questions or needing help.

Due to the work being project based some days required long hours to be worked with non-stop tasks, on other days towards the end of the projects there were less tasks to complete. However the department had a number of filler tasks and internal research tasks for the days in which I was less busy.

At the beginning I was performing more of a supporting role while I settled into the routine. As I became more comfortable in my role and more confident in my abilities more responsibility was given and I had multiple independent projects, which were checked by a senior member of the team. Some of the outputs from these independent projects were included in reports given to customers and external companies.

The majority of skills I had learnt at university were put into use on multiple occasions and therefore, my confidence and knowledge grew on a daily basis. In particular my ability to perform Human Factors Assessments and create relevant outputs will be the most useful in assisting my final year project at university.

The office was vey friendly and although professional, was quite relaxed. As a transfer department you get to meet a lot of people from other departments, gaining an insight into their roles and creating a more friendly atmosphere as you are not limited to the people you interact with on a daily basis.

The work placement was extremely well organised, with a plan set up with projects for me to work on starting from when I arrived. This plan was flexible, with the team taking into account my interests and tailoring the plan around both these and my workload at any given time.

As an undergraduate there are less training and development opportunities available to you, however the department provided me with the necessary training that was needed in order to complete the tasks. Some of the training aspects would have been useful to have in order to gain an understanding of the company itself and in some cases to expand knowledge in other areas that would help to perform the tasks specific to you.

The graduate scheme is very appealing and has a lot of perks whilst also an opportunity to gain a wider range of knowledge and experience. The atmosphere of the company is a big selling point as is the location, as is the department and the people I work with on a day to day basis.

The fellow placement students and graduates were very friendly and sociable, with no divide between any of the schemes. Not only would we all socialise at lunch but also outside of work on an almost weekly basis. The atmosphere has led to everyone making close friends with one another who will stay in contact.

As I'm located in Bristol, everything is slightly more expensive as is expected from a city. The wage is enough to cover the living cost of living here although there is not much left for the social aspect, although it is on par with other undergraduate schemes all over the country.

Located in a city, in which there are 2 universities, the nightlife is really good with a variety of events no matter of your interests. Everything is very central with multiple hotspots which are all easy to get to, although you do find yourself going to the places closest to you, rather than trying new places.

I found that there were many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work , whether this was an extra curricular work activity or something local to you. No matter what your interest a club could probably be found for it, although you may have to travel dependent on how niche it is.