Risk Analyst Review

I thoroughly enjoyed my year on placement with RWE supply and trading as I was given a high level of responsibility immediately and my colleagues were very nice to me. I was engaged and interested by my work and it’s opened my eyes as to what I want to do in the future. The programme was extremely well run and I would recommended the experience to anyone. I am hoping to return on the graduate scheme.

My colleagues immediately made me feel welcome and happy, treating me with respect and seeing me as a colleague and not a student. It was clear that my team believed I added value and often asked me to help them with things I knew more about. I made some good friends as well on the programme who I will happily stay in touch with even after I leave. I never once felt out of place or undervalued.

I had bi weekly 1:1’s with my manager in which I was free to talk to him about anything. Whether it be work specific advice or advice about my personal development he was open to offering his opinion in order to help me. They were well structured and I had a template to fill out every two weeks which made it easy to structure the meetings and discuss the topics I needed to discuss. This was an area I was most impressed with.

I was responsible for doing the risk for the European Gas desk alongside one colleague which inevitably meant I had lots of work to do, especially if my colleague was on annual leave. So arguably if I was being harsh I would say I was slightly overworked , but I relished the challenge and it meant I learnt at an extremely fast rate. I rated this topic an 8 as although as I referenced earlier I was very busy, I quite enjoyed it.

As I referenced in the previous answer , I was doing risk for the gas desk with one other colleague so after a brief settling in period I was sending reports to the desk and the board on a daily basis. I also reported to the head of risk every two weeks on the progress of the desk over the previous two weeks which he then passed onto the board. These were all tasks that if done incorrectly would have a large impact of the workings of other teams.

I cannot fully answer this question as I still have one year to go in my degree but I think it has given me the work ethic required to perform in my final year and hopefully secure my first class degree. It also vastly improved my communication skills especially in regards to giving and receiving feedback. Through the scheme we had development sessions that worked on areas such as feedback and these provided very valuable advice to me.

As the office was a slightly smaller office the atmosphere was often relatively quiet , however this helped me to work hard as I could focus. We often went for drinks after work which was a great way to get to know everyone in the office and improve my relations with them. We frequently went out for lunch also so there was always opportunity to have fun. However if you choose not to get involved with the outings you may not meet much of the office.

I was hugely impressed with how well it was set up. The team were fully prepared for my arrival and had a great onboarding plan set up. I was often invited to the Swindon office for development sessions and got invited to a variety of courses and sessions to get me up to speed as quick as possible. [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyPlacement Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions] was great at keeping all us placement students in the loop about when our next meetings would be.

I had a total of 4 development sessions with the other placement students in my time with the company and was also sent on two courses ( one in Germany). These were not cheap and showed how much the team valued me and wanted to see me development. I was told if I was there longer there would’ve been even greater opportunities for me. It made me feel very valued and developed my ability massively.

I haven’t directly been offered a job but my manager hinted that if I wanted to come back into the team they would be open to this. They do not offer you the graduate scheme directly after the placement scheme which is a shame but I have been informed that provided I received good feedback from my boss I will stand a good chance of having a successful application to the graduate scheme of my choice.

There were lots of opportunities to organise social events within your team and close friends however there wasn’t any formally organised office events which could be nice. This may of not been helped by Covid as there was a social committee appointed that would’ve been used to organise such events. Overall if you were proactive in organising events you could have a very good time. Also being in London means that any event you have will be great fun!

As the placement was in London , social events were very expensive. Drinks at the pub were much more than average. However this was expected and worth it as it was good fun. I was lucky enough to live at home which saved me lots of money. If you rent in London as well it could be very expensive. However for only one year of your life it’s very good fun and I don’t think it’s cause to not apply for this placement.

It was very good. If you go out with someone who knows the area you will have such a good time. I was taken to some very nice bars during my time with the company and It was a very enjoyable part of the placement year. London has a bar/ club for every mood and occasion so you will not have any trouble. The only slight problem is like I referenced above is slightly expensive.

There was loads of opportunities outside work for activities. Whether it be sport of any other hobby there will be a chance to do it. I played football once a week for a 6 a side team with some of my friends from uni and it was great to spend tome away from work letting off some steam and staying fit. I strongly believe whatever your hobbies are you will be able to find somewhere to do this.