Commercial Summer Placement Review

This is the second year that I have completed this placement and I have enjoyed it throughout. I felt more at home in the second year and more involved in the day to day activities which I am getting to grips with as I have a greater understanding of the processes which the company goes through.

I really felt that I was assisting my co-workers. It felt like I was not a burden but rather a useful asset in the work place. My opinions were respected and I was entrusted with some important tasks.

My aim was to try and complete the work as much as possible by myself. However, I was fully aware that trying to do everything myself was not going to be possible on important projects. Whenever I felt I was turning into a blind alley or needed confirmation on what was required for a specific task, it was given with no feeling of annoyance or possible inconvenience caused.

There were periods during my placement where work dried up slightly but this was due to a not much work available for the department rather than an unwillingness to give work to a Summer placement. In general I feel that I accomplished much and felt whenever I was available for tasks they were readily available.

I felt that it was a very good mix enough resposibility to keep me exicted and also not too much to make me feel overwealmed. I was left to my own devises to get the work done, dealing with suppliers personally rather than through a more superior co-worker.

I was very important to get an understanding of how a huge business such as BAE works. I feel that skills I have obtained trough negotiations, working with suppliers and in general watching how other people deal with problems will be useful for me for my whole working career.

It was very friendly with people who gave the impression like they really cared what you were up to in work and in your spare time. It was in general a nice place to be.

I cannot complain at all about the organisational structure. Whenever I needed anything, it was provided and I had everything prepared for me when I arrived for the placement.

Whenever there was a course available for me to go on, it was offered to me regardless of the need for transport to the place it was being held. I got the feeling that all of the placements were a valued commodity and so were treated as such.

A position in the graduate scheme is highly sought after and from being in the company it is clear to see why. The graduates do not have a bad word to say about the programme and it allows you time to make sure the right position is found for you in the company.

With the other placements there was plenty of opportunities to socialise. The email facility enabled constant contact with your fellow placements and it seemed to be important for the company to make people welcome and entertained, particularly if for the duration of the placement they were living away from home.

General cost of living is not overly cheap in the south. I have become used to this by now and in relation to surrounding areas it is reasonable value.

Plenty of links to Reading, Guilford and London are available to keep people entertained. There is a variety of things to do whatever you live to do in your spare time.

If you were interested in doing anything outside of work there is plenty available. While I have been here I was offered a place in a bowling league and 5 a side football along with other activities organised with the other placements e.g. go karting.