Human Factors Vacation Student Review

I found my time as a vacation student really useful, I got an insight into working in a large consultancy firm and was able to put my university knowledge to good use

As a human factors student, I felt my input was really valued as Ergonomics and Human Factors is still quite a niche and misunderstood area, and so I felt my opinions and suggestions were really useful

The team I worked in a quite close knit, and while I was quite independant in completing work, I knew that there were people around who would be more than happy to help me

As I was only there for 6 weeks, I was busy for the majority of my time there and able to self manage my time effectively

I felt I was given a fair bit or responsibility during my time; in terms of completing my own work and providing input in internal projects

My placement helped me steer my potential career path. I was able to use my knowledge from my degree in a real life setting and experience how my degree can actually be used.

The atmosphere was quite calm, as the team was quite small there could be days where it was only myself in, and others where there were a few more team members.

I felt parts were quite organised as I was allocated a buddy when I arrived who helped to organise some potential projects I could work on. I had suggested that for future placement students, gaining their interests prior to arrival might help to get them mobilised onto larger projects to allow for a smoother transition. As a 6 week placement student, there weren't times where I felt I had both in to do, and so for a shorter duration felt like it was well organised

There were opportunities to further develop personal skills internally, and would have been completed if I had been there for a longer time. My team helped me to develop my public speaking in the time I was there by organising presentations within the team

Having gained practical experience in a consulting role, I believe it would help my application for applying to their graduate scheme

I believe that there was a good social scene amongst placements students in a larger teams, there was only myself and another in my office, and another in the London office.

I lived at home during my placement as it was easy to travel to and from work via public transport

Birmingham is easily accessible from the surrounding areas and offers a decent night life. Transport in the evening is normally via taxi or train if you're able to catch the last one and isn't too expensive

There were some advertisements of social activities outside of work, but were mainly based around the London office as its larger than the Birmingham one. I had an opportunity to attend an away day with staff from the London office to get to know wider team members. As I was only there for a short time, I was only aware of one other activity