Supply Chain and Business Services Placement Student Review

From day one I was made to feel very welcome within the Supply Chain and Business Services department. The team were eager to assist in aiding my personal development throughout the placement; I was widely encouraged to undertake a variety of training courses to develop my business acumen further. Throughout the placement the team was approachable and reassuring to any questions or queries experienced.

Throughout I was assigned a number of tasks and projects to be involved within, contributing and adding value to the overall outcome

Across the programme I was continually encouraged to become involved in a number of different projects to develop and build up my skills and knowledge base. Feedback and progress was provided at monthly 1 to 1 meetings with my line manger as well as regular meetings with my project managers. This was an opportunity to discuss my progress as well as an opportunity to discuss any projects where I may require more support and guidance from the team.

Generally on a day to day basis I had ample work to be focussing on. At times there are slightly quieter periods however through encouraged networking there is always the opportunity to experience other projects and tasks.

During my placement I was assigned a number of individual projects and tasks to complete. This was an opportunity to network within the organisation and build upon my knowledge and skills to illustrate my competence in completing a task. You are very much treated as a member of the team with a strong support network.

At times it was not always possible to relate my degree directly to the projects and task in which I was involved, however upon returning to university the skills and knowledge that I acquired on placement have been of benefit whilst studying in my final year. The focus on employee development within NATS has provided me with a basis to develop different styles of working and a knowledge base that can be applied throughout my modules at university.

The atmosphere in the office was very inclusive; you were always made to feel welcome and provided with opportunities to become involved with departmental activities such as golf. There were also circa 20 other placement students across the organisations adding to the hospitable atmosphere.

From the very start I had an organised placement schedule detailing the team I would be working alongside throughout each stage of my placement. Within each stage of my placement I was assigned a number of objectives to achieve to maximise my experience and learning process.

Throughout my placement I was encouraged to undertake a number of training courses relevant to my business area to aid my commercial awareness and to help develop my skill set further. Using an internal training system it simplified the process of keeping track of upcoming training course and development opportunities to become involved within.

Whilst on placement within the Supply Chain and Business Services department I very much enjoyed my experience and they are a great employer to work for.

There were circa 20 other placement students at NATS whilst I was on placement which provided a great opportunity to socialise outside of work. There were many nights’ outs and trips organised by previous graduates who were very welcoming to placement students.