Industrial Placement Student Review

It was a really enjoyable experience, there were many other placement students so I was able to meet many different people which made the social environment fun. Additionally the work itself was very enjoyable and my department was very welcoming.

I was given a lot of work, but this was acknowledged and valued. They recognised the time which was put in and were complimentary and helpful.

My supervisor and pastoral supervisor were very supportive and helpful. They gave great insight and aided when I struggled with work/concepts. My manager was also very helpful. I was often left to conduct my own experiments and only received guidance when I asked.

I was very busy through out my placement, even when it moved to working from home. I exceeded my contracted hours almost daily.

I was given much responsibility - often I was left to plan and conduct work on my own. It was a great vote of confidence in my abilities.

Not only did the placement help me develop skills which are essential in the scientific field, but I also grew as an individual. Having experience with the techniques which I learnt this year will be invaluable for my final year of univeristy, and they will also be key in my career in future, especially when I am applying for jobs they will hopefully set me apart from people who have not had these experiences.

It was fun at one end of the office, and at the other people who needed to concentrate sat. In the labs people mainly worked to make sure that no mistakes were made. It was always professional, people were very welcoming and helpful.

The work was planned quite well overall. Unfortunately COVID impacted the overall plan and therefore all that was aimed to be achieved couldn't be. There was some work which was set by one of my supervisors which was not well planned - however this was only the case for this package of work.

They provided me with a great deal of training. Not only this, but they also allowed for further improvement of skills through virtual courses, seminars and lectures. Furthermore when support was needed in running new equipment/instruments in the lab they provided the resources which allowed for discussion with representatives from the companies which provided these instruments.

It is competitive however the fact thatI have already been there for a year sets me in good stead if I were to apply in future.

Before COVID the social environment between the industrial placement students was a lot of fun - given that we were all in similar situations it made the year much fun and meant there was always something happening every week.

Stevenage is priced as are most places outside London. Rent was what was expected.

The nightlife in Stevenage is poor, however living only a 20 minute train ride from London made up for this.

There were many opportunities which allowed me to build on my CV such as the opportunity to be a STEM ambassador and complete the industrial cadets platinum leaders award. Additionally on a more social level there were activities which were sports recreational/recreational