Heathrow Colleague Communications and Engagement Coordinator Review

I found my work placement extremely interesting. I was excited to go into work every day. I had the opportunity to get involved in many exciting projects and looked forward to taking responsibility and managing my own projects. Finally, working at Heathrow Airport, I could see the results of my projects and how they added great value to the customer experience, which was incredibly rewarding.

Working in a relatively small team meant that I could get to know my team members well and showcase my skills and abilities effectively. I felt valued by my team members, as they included me in their projects and often asked for my advice or ideas on certain aspects of what they were working on. Also, having a fresh view and perspective of the industry and the operation meant that I was often looked at to share a unique, new approach to doing things, and this made me feel valuable to my team.

As I worked very closely with my line manager, we had weekly meetings, where I was given feedback on my work and ideas of how I can improve and learn from my actions. In addition, as part of the work placement, I had a mid-placement and an end of placement review with both my line manager and the Placement Manager. The reviews helped me understand and realise my progress throughout my placement - noting all the skills and experience I gained - but also think about my development and what else I can achieve from the Placement. Overall, I feel like I was given all the support I needed to feel confident to lead my own projects and successfully manage a team.

Working for a big, international airline meant that the environment is fast-paced and the operation is fast-changing. As I was based at Heathrow Terminal 5, I was busy in terms of dealing with short deadlines and making sure every action was completed in time for a project. Additionally, on busy operational days, I had to make sure to support the operation and our customers, and this meant learning to work in an environment where I have to adapt to the most recent information, and adapt my work day accordingly.

I was given the opportunity to lead my own projects - from planning all the details of the project and managing a team to executing the project and seeing it come to life. My team relied on me to plan those projects, recruit a team that would support and carry out the project, as well as be the main point of contact. This was extremely rewarding, as I had the chance to work on celebrating key milestones and achievements - the introduction of new liveries as part of the company's centenary, new aircraft deliveries and new routes.

One of the skills I developed to a great extent is networking. Working in British Airways allowed me to expand my network and introduce myself to colleagues from departments across the whole business (from operational teams to the marketing teams). This meant that I had the opportunity to learn about key areas that make up a big business and, most importantly, how they all come together to make a successful company. By doing this, I not only have a great view and insight into a big airline, but an insight into a real business in general, which will allow me to look at my degree in Business and Management with a more experienced view. Finally, I now feel that my more in-depth understanding of a business will play a great role in my analysis of business overall and will contribute greatly to my degree.

The atmosphere in the office was very inclusive, while also very energetic and engaging. I felt comfortable to express my opinions on a project or a process and felt that I would be heard and acknowledged. Often times, ideas and topics that came up from a simple and at times random conversation could lead to my team coming up with a creative or fun way to looking at a current project, or improving a specific process at the airport. In this sense, the atmosphere was also very creative and inspiring.

The work placement was very organised, with mid and end of year placement reviews, where I had to complete a form on my progress in the placement and in my role, as well as my line manager inputing their opinions on my work so far and possible development in the future. I received a clear description of my role in the business during the induction week and had a chance to speak to my line manager about my role as well.

As an employee, I had access to the company's online training platform and could sign myself up to various courses that could be either completed online or in a classroom. During my Placement I received training on Commercial Decision Making, as well as Recruiting, and found both very useful not only in my role at the time of my placement, but in my degree and career overall.

I find the atmosphere, the environment and the opportunities within the organisation very appealing. Looking at the different Graduate Schemes available within the company, I found the Future Leaders scheme extremely interesting and rewarding, so I applied and now have a Graduate job once I finish my degree. I see myself enjoying my time working for British Airways and prospering from all the opportunities available to me.

As Placement students, we all supported each other in the different departments we worked in. This was also a great opportunity to shadow each other and learn more about different parts of the business. We especially bonded over our charity walk in Italy, where we walked 80km in 4 days and raised over £5,000 for Flying Start.

I commuted to work from Reading, where I live for University as well. Therefore, I was close to my university friends, and also had the opportunity to live in a student flat, where I could meet students my age and have fun with my friends on weekends and after work.

I worked close to the airport, so in terms of nightlife - there are a few bars and some of them might be located in the hotels around the area. For example, for our work Christmas party - we celebrated in a hotel, and there are quite a few times where you can also use the restaurants/bars located in the airport as well.

There were so many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work. Specifically, there are many activities that you can take part in to support the charity the business works with - Flying Start. For example, I was involved in a charity walk, a football tournament and had the opportunity to bucket shake at Twickenham during the Six Flags games.