Summer Placement Student Review

A thoroughly interesting and insightful experience at a leading analytics company.

I was placed within the IT architecture team so I felt that my knowledge/experience was limited compared to my colleagues.

My project manager who was the Principle Solution Architect was very approachable and helpful. I also received helpful and constructive advice from the Chief Technology Officer.

It varied from day-to-day with some days consisting of mainly research whilst others I was busy with project specific work and preparing for presentations.

My project wasn't client facing although it was clear to see where value would be added internally to the IT architecture team.

One of my final year modules concerns IT architecture so the skills and experience I gained from my project I feel are very relevant. It also opened up the opportunity for potential dissertation topics.

The general atmosphere was positive and relaxed. It was often very quiet as many of my colleagues would be at client site.

The placement was well structured following a timetable provided to us in the first week. It was organised so that I got to experience different parts of the business and provided the opportunity to meet key people.

I got the opportunity to learn more about SAS software through specific training courses of which I received certification for. I also undertook valuable internal training courses related to software and presenting.

At present, there is currently no graduate scheme or entry level positions available. That being said, there are opportunities to move around within the organisation and I would certainly consider a career at SAS once having gained more experience.

In total there were six placement students and we all often met outside of working hours to socialise. We also went for meals outside of working hours with our managers which were paid for by SAS.

Situated in Marlow, Buckinghamshire it can be quite expensive to rent a property. I also found it difficult to find a landlord that was willing to let for such a short duration. I was very fortunate to find a find a property that was located a 5 minute drive away from SAS for only £75/week. Generally Marlow is an expensive place to live/socialise and would recommend High Wycombe for those who drive/don't mind to commute.

There are a few bars/pubs in the surrounding villages of Marlow and Henley which are fairly pricey. The closest best place for nightlife would be High Wycombe which has a large student population.

There was organised football and cricket matches (SAS has its own 5-a-side football pitch, cricket pavilion and chip-and-putt golf). There was also games console tournaments and gym subsidies for the Marlow Club Gym.