Summer Placement Student Review

I would support all aspects of the council's business operations. This would include sitting in on meetings, drafting policy proposals, arranging the diaries of councillors, and booking meetings. In this respect the role was quite varied, with no typical day. I would spend a lot of time organising the engagements of many different stakeholders, and ensure that everyone was generally on track to help the council to achieve its aim - to serve the public in Buckinghamshire.

I have learnt a lot of time management skills. This is important because I am moving from my undergraduate degree in an academic subject into a more practical career or further study. This placement summer out from my undergraduate degree has proved valuable for me because it has given me practical experience in organising events. There are many parallels between the skills in events management and in local government, which will help me as I progress.

I was given a lot of responsibility. Given that I was only a student when obtaining and completing the placement, and still am in many respects, I feel like I have taken on a lot of responsibility. This is because I have been responsible for managing the engagements of many senior figures within the council, and have been accountable for ensuring that meetings and other events run smoothly, and we are serving the public well.

I received a lot of support and guidance on my placement. This included shadowing councillors to see what they do on a daily basis, working with other placement students to learn from each other about different responsibilities within the council, and learning from senior leaders about how to effectively perform a role in public service. I also received guidance on public speaking, which is important because the council deals will lots of enquiries from the public to which we must respond.

It was great to work for Buckinghamshire County Council. I feel like the other placement year workers and I got a lot out of the scheme. The scheme is designed not just for graduates but also those who have not gone to university, and I feel like this added value in terms of the social mix of those who were doing placements. I also had a great time working with senior colleagues who are passionate about their job.

I really enjoyed the placement. It was a great way to learn more about what I want to do career wise when I leave university and gain new skills. I learnt a lot about myself and all functions of the council. I interacted well with colleagues, and there were many fellow placement students of similar age to me. This made for a good social environment. I also enjoyed working with others to achieve a common goal.

Yes

Try and emphasise the importance of the skills you have learnt at university or outside and relate this to why you would be a good fit for the placement. In my case, I had founded a dance society at my college, and this helped me to stand out because it showed that I had the qualities required to succeed as a placement worker at the council. Also try and speak to workers to get a taste of what life is like there.