Delivery Manager / Business Designer Review

I really enjoyed my placement. From the start, I, alongside other industrial placement students (IPs) were integrated with the grads in September. From the start, we were also put into a hotel together for 30 days which allowed us to form friendships and find people to live with. All food was free of charge and so was the hotel and its amenities. The scheme started with a 2 week training program, again, together with the grads (which I rated as I didn't feel inferior in anyway). Even the CEO gave a speech, alongside other senior members who welcomed us to the society. Once the fortnight of training came to an end, we started our first rotation. Whilst we didn't have a choice where we could go in the first rotation, it was a great way to break out of your comfort zone. The support from my managers was amazing, both developmental and welfare, so I never felt alone / useless. That helped me to settle into this new working environment. There were plenty of opportunities to develop outside of my job. The scheme allows IPs to also work on their university work, but also work on their personal development by attending various events and participating in firm's training schemes if you put a decent business case forward. They really want to get the best out of you just like you want to get the best out of them. There isn't any pressure unlike in other financial services/ professional services to constantly do well to the stage of burn out. Whilst they do measure your performance on a biannual basis, it's quite laid back and if you are engaged in your job, you'll do great. I really enjoyed the placement, especially when I went into my 2nd (and last) rotation. The team in which I was placed were amazing and they even offered me to come back.

Any firm will have people that you will get on with and people that you won't get on with. It is important to work on that but also work on yourself. Therefore, in my first placement, whilst my managers were outstanding, I didn't quite fit in the team that I was placed in. I instantly highlighted that and was moved within 3 weeks. The new team made a huge difference to my development, motivation and also my performance. Overall, the people there are extremely supportive, but it is important that you also make the effort to value others as much as you want them to value you.

I was given guidance and support from day 1. I was hospitalised from a chest infection On the 3rd day of my training. That really upset me as I missed out on making friends and getting to know the company. However, I wasn't penalised for anything, I wasn't put under any pressure to come back or catch up. The company made sure that I recovered and picked up the work at the pace that I felt comfortable with. This was not a one-off event either. Throughout the placement, my mental health declined but Nationwide was able to offer me free of charge counselling and 24/7 online support with their employee welfare third party. I was so shocked at how much they invested in my wellbeing! As from the social aspect, my colleagues were extremely supportive of me and I was never seen as a liability.

The start was quite slow as people are getting to know you but it was important to effectively show what you can do. As my actual job lacked work for the first 3 months, I picked up other activities outside of my job that involved a bigger picture role at Nationwide. That kept me really busy until I was trusted with actual work that made a difference within my specific team. When it came to my second placement, I was given a grad job, which then turned into a full time role when the grad left. I was a big part of my team which I think was a huge achievement as it made me reflect back to the position I was in when I first started.

As mentioned previously, I was given more responsibility with time. There is a lot of context and information that you have to absorb as each team will work on something specific such as a product, or a change or an issue. Once I understood the macro and the micro aspects of what the team did, I was able to use my brain and skills to provide value and a difference to my team. By the end of my scheme, I took over the role of a well paid contractor.

Hugely! In my first rotation, I was given training in Visio and how process maps are used in business design and analysis. This is something I covered in my second year which I really struggled with. By actually doing it on the job was an eye opener for me. Operational excellence training was also something I attended. This was quite theory based and linked well to my degree and in the module that I am studying now in my final year. Agile methodologies was something I picked up as I was placed into an agile team for 7 months. This is a really sought after experience due to the rise in technological innovation and transformation in businesses. Whilst I wasn't able to sit professional qualifications unlike the grads, I was still able to attend their training classes and absorb the information for my own benefit.

Social and focused. No one looked down on your for wanting to chat and make a comment here and there. My colleagues were really outgoing which helped to minimise the pressure I was feeling to do well and impress. In their Head Office, the interior is very open plan which makes it easy to socialise and meet people that you know. At times of stress, people would by snacks or freshly made doughnuts. Such details really make your day!

It was really well organised. However, as there was quite a large intake, personally, I felt uncomfortable to ask questions as I thought I was being a burden to the scheme leaders. That was my fault mainly and once I actually got over that fear, I was able to organise my own work related problems and get the help that I needed to make to most of my placement. It made me realise that people aren't going to spoon feed you, so even though I did experience problems, it was up to me to reach out and communicate with the right people. The scheme leaders do genuinely want to help you, but they are busy! The lesson was to be pro-active and drive your own development.

A lot! I won't go into to much detail but my time there felt like I was at university. There was so much to do and so much to pick up, and all free of charge! The idea is for the IPs to come back to the graduate scheme and then roll off into full time positions and fast track their way through! Therefore, there were a lot of opportunities and support available for IPs and Grads. You could also reach out to senior leadership and ask for their advice/ opinions / know-hows. Here is what I got to do: Attended London Business Forum (fully expensed) Converted Nationwide to use recycled paper (internal comms) Operational Excellence certified Online Training Platform Learn how to code Agile Methodologies APM training Insight into HR, Finance & Strategy

Most of their employees are located in Swindon (headoffice). However, there are opportunities to be in London but that is difficult to arrange (depends on demand). If you have the drive, you can do really well and progress significantly. I think it is much easier to progress there than it is at their competitors due to their smaller size and social nature. It is far less hierarchical than say Barclays, HSBC. On the other hand, they don't have any international opportunities as they are a UK building society.

Yes! The people that get recruited into Nationwide are in a way likeminded when it comes to making friends and socialising. I thought it was quite strange how no matter to which grad/intern I spoke with, I got on with them really well. Colleagues are similar too! There are a lot of clubs/ societies that you could join, ranging from lgbt+ to choir, so you're never going to feel alone. Swindon it self is okay. It has everything you need, but as it isn't a university town, there isn't much of a young feel to it.

I lived outside of Swindon due to personal reasons (nothing to do with Swindon or the people there). But when I looked initially, it is very cheap and you get introduced to its housing market throughout your training as you get to know your peers and your new potential housemates. Swindon is quite cheap compared to Bristol / London, but it is in no way as cheap as the north. I think a pint averages out at £4.

I can't really comment on that as I am not a fan of nightclubs. However, I did go on my induction day (1 day event in July that welcomed us to the scheme). I went out together with other IP's and the grads and I had an amazing time! As a woman, I didn't feel endangered at any stage as there is plenty of light and people throughout the night. There were a lot of bars and pubs and I think 2 strip clubs..?

Yes! As mentioned earlier, there is plenty to do. You could get involved in charity work, in school governing, in staff welfare, in their environmental initiatives and annual competitive business events. There is so much to do, it is in no way boring and there is always something to do. Even at lunch times, you'll have small businesses/ organisations come in to sell or pitch their services. There is also a huge sports field across the road, a hairdressers and a gym inside the headoffice.