People Development Student Placement Review

My role involves a wide variety of jobs, I began learning about L and D and working on projects to aid colleagues in the transition to hybrid working. I have now transitioned to the Early Talent team and have worked on the recruitment of early talent colleagues. This has included communicating with managers and candidates as well as organising and attending assessment centre virtually and in person. I have also worked with our partnerships attending events and being an ambassador for the early talent program. No day is the same in my role but through my placement I have gained a wide knowledge of different areas of HR.

During my placement at Newcastle Building Society I have had the opportunity to work in different areas of HR. This has allowed me to expand on my knowledge of HR in a work environment and put into practice the knowledge from University. Throughout my placement I have developed my communication skills, understanding how to communicate in a corporate world. Along with time management and how to manage your time and your calendar effectively. I have also grown in my confidence, I have seen growth in my ability to talk to colleagues and external partners and even had multiple opportunity's to talk about NBS and the early talent program at events. My placement has been an amazing experience and I have seen myself grow throughout this year.

During my placement I was given responsibility by my manager to work on projects, manage my time, communicate with key stakeholders and submit my work on time. Though I was given a lot of responsibility to work independently and as a team I always felt fully supported. There was always someone I could reach out to ask questions and clarify any questions or queries. Having responsibility to work on projects and meet deadlines allowed me to grow my time management skills.

At Newcastle Building Society every placement, apprentice and graduate enters the early talent program upon entering the business. This means that from day 1 you are not only supported by your line manager along with the early talent manager, a mentor and a buddy. This means that you feel very supported in your role and this is something that has benefited me during my placement. Having the support to ask any questions or queries and always have someone to go to. You are also supported by your early talent peers.

Newcastle Building Society is a company that lives up to there purpose and values. Throughout my time here I have had the opportunity to speak to different areas of the business with everyone being willing to have a conversation and answer any questions. The work they do around for the communities is something I have enjoyed hearing about and having the opportunity volunteer at events. I have felt that Newcastle Building Society as an organisation has been a great work atmosphere and culture to work in.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my placement experience at Newcastle Building Society. I have had the opportunity to get involved in different projects across HR. This has allowed me to expand my knowledge of HR and even find new areas that I enjoy that I didn't know about before. Overall, my placement experience at Newcastle Building Society has really given me life and career skills that I can take beyond my placement and into my studies.

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My advice would be to do your research about the organisation. We offer a wide variety of roles and opportunities across the business . It also helps when applying to an organisation to do your research in order to appear knowledgeable about the organisation when interviewing. My other piece of advice is don't give up, finding a placement is difficult as it's very competitive so don't give up on your search as it's a great experience to have.