Summer Placement Student Review

It was a combination of being enjoyable and challenging, that far exceeded my expectations!

My colleagues as well as my managers were really appreciative, and you really felt as if you were doing actual work, rather than a placement just to see and learn. My work and analysis was consistently taken into consideration by the project team.

National Grid offered great support and guidance, both from the HR department and the project managers. It was very clear that they were interested in supporting us, and managers would have weekly meetings with were we could discuss our progress as well as received guidance when needed. We would also meet with the HR staff to evaluate placements and give feedback, which further showed their commitment to improve the experience of us students.

In my 8 weeks with NG, there were only 2-3 days when I didn't have enough to do, and this would be as I was waiting for some information or a meeting. My project was generally such that I had always things to do, but as it was summer there would often be colleagues taking their leave.

I was given far more responsibility than I could possibly expect as a summer placement student. Several minor parts of the project were given to me to make assessments, which would have impact on the course of action. However, naturally there is only so much responsibility that can sensibly be given to a summer placement student, and to my delight NG really pushed these boundaries.

The placement was Very valuable. Firstly simply in terms of the experience of working with real engineering which is my intended choice of career. Secondly the developed skills in terms of organisation, time-management and interpersonal skills will be very valuable in all aspects of life - including academic. Last but not least I was given the opportunity to work with HVDC which is a technology on the rise, but with few engineers having in-depth knowledge. This placement really gives me a head-start.

Great atmosphere where everyone is relaxed and easy-going. Also, since there were other students in office we always had a good time.

Simply excellent! We were given an induction on day one by HR and met our managers. The very next day we got meetings with a few very knowledgeable colleagues who introduced us into the project and the issues we would be working with. Desks, laptops and telephones were arranged early on and the HR department were quick to make any further necessary arrangements.

We had a workshop on how to make a personal impact, which was okay. Scheduled events such as that were limited, which is natural for an 8 week placement, but I do think that the company invested in our personal development on a continuous basis throughout the placement.

National Grid really made a great impression on me during my placement. They offer interesting and challenging work, but what is further appealing is the range of career paths within the company. Also, their Graduate scheme looks excellent!

We were 15 students from the Power Academy doing summer placements with NG. Twelve of us were living in a big house together so it was good fun all the time, and we would all have lunch together as well.

Very reasonable. But then again, I usually live in London...

All of us Power Academy students lived in Leamington Spa, where nightlife was pretty good.

More than enough. Apart from enjoying tennis on the many courts in Leamington Spa, I attended a few sessions of Muai Thai as well. NG had a football tournament going on as well, which I briefly participated in... So there is plenty to do for anyone of any interest.