Undergraduate Placement -NGP Review

My role involved the project management of new to world substrates and processes for reduced risk products. Day to day my activities could vary a lot. It may involve contact with different internal and external teams, time in the laboratory space or taking notes in subjective sensory sessions. Exposure to different business areas to manage technical projects.

Business acumen has improved greatly in understanding how large FMCG industries work and adapt to the changing world. My confidence in portraying and presenting technical knowledge to senior members of staff has improved massively over the year. I also find I am able to pick up new technologies/ideas at quickly. Greater sense of initiative in a professional environment. Developed chemical engineering skills on applying process knowledge to improve products

Yes I was. This came on gradually though as I built my confidence over the placement which was good as I felt more capable in doing so. My opinion on projects and how these should be managed was listened to and respected in meetings. I would have responsibility of leading meetings with external contractors, preparing samples and running experiments.

There is a lot of support and guidance available. There is a 'placement team' who are very helpful on inductions and introducing you to the company. They are also on hand for any needs and run workshops to develop soft skills workshops throughout the year. Line managers were very helpful also - very friendly but also supportive to guide you in personal professional development. Wider team are also accessible and general company attitude us positive, friendly and welcoming.

Company culture is very good and probably one of the things I enjoyed most about my placement at BAT. Very friendly and diverse atmosphere across the workplace. Large amount of company events which despite COVID still had opportunity to take part in. These include quizzes, large xmas parties and smaller team meals. Diversity initiative is very good and welcoming - have a women in BAT and B United to support groups across the company. Have their own gym with classes available as well which is a huge bonus and different sports clubs such as football and cricket. Always a large set of interns keen to get ot know each other outside of work also so you won't be the only one.

I really enjoyed my placement year. It was a good balance of work and felt I did make an impact during my time here. Company culture really helps that with enough pressure to get stuff done but not so much it is overwhelming. For a large company it still seems very personable which I enjoyed and found supportive. I would definitely consider going back after graduating.

Yes

Advice to others applying to BAT is to show your creativity and passion which is valued across the company. Read up on BAT before applying and demonstrate their ethos when applying and being on placement. Not much preparation needed for starting the actual placement just focus on being yourself and constantly ask questions - don't just wait assuming you will know eventually. Get stuck in with different projects and activities even if it isn't completely relevant your degree.