Sustainability Industrial Placement Review

There is a lot of variety in the work that the sustainability industrial placement is involved in however the overall day-to-day tasks included monthly data collection, monthly Data reporting, supporting the delivery of sustainability communications, supporting the delivery of project proposals, and market research on available and incoming technologies. A typical day would also include a site visit to one of the Gist depots to discuss any sustainability related queries or suggestions that site teams may have. These are a great opportunity to meet more people around the business and obtain a better understanding of the operations.

Data processing and Excel skills have improved significantly through monthly reporting and processing large databases. Monthly reporting required the use of previously unfamiliar software such as MS Access which I am now comfortable with using. It also included doing carbon calculations and condensing large volumes of data to present for project proposals. I have also been able to develop my research and presenting skills when suggesting new ideas to the team and other people across the business. Through supporting to write articles every month for Gists internal magazine I have improved my communication skills on a wider business level. I was also given leadership training with the other Graduates and Industrial Placements which included likely scenarios across the business which was really useful.

Yes, I was given the responsibility of data collection and inputting each month which then goes to Gists parent company. However, I was given a few months to familiarise myself with the process and software before this responsibility was solely handed over to myself. Later on in my placement I was given more and more responsibility and challenges which I really enjoyed. I was given freedom to identify opportunities and lead certain projects. I was able to visit sites on my own to begin scoping these out.

I received a lot of support and guidance during my placement. My line manager was extremely supportive with any questions I had either related to the role or wider business questions. I was able to have open conversations with my line manager and they always made sure I was being challenged with the work I was doing and provided me with networking opportunities both across business and within the industry. Early talent also provided me with a lot of guidance starting with a three day induction upon joining the company at head office where we got to meet the SLT, network, learn more about the business and meet previous grads. They also set us up with buddies (previous grads) and mentors (senior management) and did monthly catch up calls to discuss any issues I was having and how I was enjoying the role. I had monthly calls with my mentor in which we discussed my development, future plans, career advice and any questions I had. If I didnt know the right person to go to for a question they would always point me in the right direction.

Across the sites I visited and was based at, everyone was very friendly and always supportive if you had any questions. Depots are also very good at rewarding and recognising staff for their hard work. As a wider business Gist support a lot of internal development and want their employees to succeed in their position. There are a lot of people at Gist who choose to stay for most of their working life which is a good indicator in itself of the company culture. However this can also come with challenges and pushbacks when wanting to bring in new technology or change certain processes. There are also great facilities available including EAP (Employee Assistance Programme).

I really enjoyed my placement year. I have learnt so much about the sustainability/ESG industry as well as the logistics industry. It has given me great insight into the compliance and regulatory side of working in sustainability as well as knowledge in other areas I knew little of including engineering, fleet and waste. I have been able to work with some really great people at Gist who have been so supportive of my development and continually challenged me. This role has given me a lot of confidence in my capabilities and has been a great introduction into the corporate world.

Yes

1. Do you research on the company especially around the sustainability plans and parent company targets. 2. Be sure to show your enthusiasm for sustainability and why that is a career path you are interested in. 3. Be yourself, have confidence and ask any questions that you have. 4. Do some industry research and bring along any ideas you have to interviews.