Power Academy Placement Student Review

I developed software to visualise proposed offshore windfarm connections using python and microsoft excel. I would have daily meetings with my manager to discuss which direction to take the project and had reuglar opportunities to present my software to a larger team. During days when I was in the office, I would network with other placement students as well as colleagues in my team and the wider company.

I greatly improved my knowledge of programming methods and developed my ability and confidence to present to a wider audience.

I was given full responsibility for managing the progress of my project and developing features that would be useful for my team. I was given responsibility for planning site visits with other placement students and organising events to network with colleagues.

I recieved regular guidance from my line-manager from daily catch up meetings and felt that I could always reach out to him if I was stuck or had encountered a problem. The team I was working in were very supportive and always gave me useful feedback when I asked.

The company culture is very progressive. Inclusivity is promoted at every opportunity. As a placement student, there are no barriers preventing you from speaking to people accross departments and everyone is very happy to speak with you. Everyone is prompted to express how they are feeling regarding their work and support is freely available.

I greatly enjoyed my experience working in National Grid ESO. I learnt a lot about the processes and tasks done in the Electricity System Operator and had the privellage of meaningfully contributing to their work. I met a great number of like minded placement students and have enjoyed getting to know people from the company in a professional and social context.

Yes

Make the most of the opportunities presented to you and try to speak with as many people from across the business. Don't feel afraid to say that you feel overwhelmed and/or stressed by the responsibilites of your role as line managers and the new talent team are very supportive and can help to address any challenges.