Supply Chain Undergraduate Review

Enjoyable placement - I got a good exposure to the various parts of my department and undertook a varied array of tasks. The social side to the company is superb.

I was quickly received as "an equal" but given some leaway considering I was a placement student. This didn't mean I was wrapped in cotton wool but a good balance was reached.

Unless I asked for help my managers/supervisors let me get on with with my work with only the occasional check on how I was doing. However, I was always aware that help was only a question away.

I never felt as if I was overloaded with work but had enough to switch between tasks and "mix it up" to avoid exceeding my (very short!) attention span.

I was in charge of balancing my workload and delivering work on time. This allowed me to develop my workload management skills which will prove useful when returning to uni.

I have definitely developed my personal skills during my placement - workload management, communication, social skills and computer literacy.

Very socialable atmosphere with plenty of casual conversation to keep the mood light. However, this isn't the case in all areas of the company, the Project departments have a very heads-down attitude so there's something for everyone.

Very good placement setup, lots of help available. An "Interaction Week" is run at the start of the placement to introduce the new starters to the company and each other, with team-building activities in random groups. The first 2 days familiarise you with the company but this becomes death-by-PowerPoint.

I undertook a handful of training sessions throughout my placement which added important knowledge that was used. If there's a training course you think that would be useful, talk to your Line Manager and arrange to attend.

I wouldn't complain about coming back after graduation as the setup is great with lots of opportunities. The graduate scheme allows you to undertake 4x 6-month placements to get a view of a wide range of departments, including the option for an external placement.

Huge social atmosphere between the graduates. Orange Wednesdays were often utilised, the local Nandos was raided (almost) weekly and ad-hoc trips organised, as well as meeting for lunch in the canteen each day.

Not as cheap as up North but considerably cheaper than London. Given Stevenages' proximity to London (30 miles / 40 minutes on the train) the prices are very reasonable. I was paying ~£75 per week in rent, bills included.

Not a huge amount to do in Stevenage itself (2 clubs, several pubs/bars) but if you're willing to wander then it keeps things fresh enough. A couple of nights out were organised in Hitchin, a local town.

The proximity to London means it's definitely viable for a day out with plenty to do. Also local are Knebworth House and Chicksands Bike Park.