Work Placement Review

I was given the freedom to organise my own time which made the experience non-stressful and gave me time to interact and meet with people in the department where appropriate for my project.

I was always told that the work I was undertaking would be of use to the department and that they valued my research and insight.

Management were very helpful with finding me the information I needed to complete the project. At times it was difficult as I am not an employee and negotiating levels of access was a slight issue, but for the most part this was not a problem. I really appreciated the support which was also given to me regarding other areas of my MSc course outwith the project I was doing for the company.

I was given the freedom to organise my own time and to structure my research project as I wished. Mostly this worked out fine, especially as the company understood that for certain days my time was better spent working on the research project from home or at my University.

Due to the nature of the placement, my time was mostly spent undertaking the research project for the company. I appreciated the responsibility which was given to me regarding organising my own time; however no other responsibilities were given to me, perhaps because of the nature of the placement being for my Management Research Report and a piece of academic research.

The experience of working within an HR department was a greatly valuable experience to see how the theoretical information gained through my University studies can be applied to 'live' situations.

Almost everyone I came into contact with seemed busy and engaged in the work they were completing, and very passionate and knowledgeable about their area, creating a hard-working and buzzing atmosphere.

Mostly the work placement was run well, especially as I respond well to being able to manage my own time. There were some occasions when communication with management about the project was difficult to achieve as they were out of the office, but other people were usually able to help instead.

When I requested if I would be able to meet with people from different areas of the department to get a broader insight the company were very helpful in facilitating thie interaction; however I would suggest that in future this becomes an integrated part of an MSc work placement from the start.

There was the opportunity to meet with employees on the graduate schemes within the company.

I live in Edinburgh so I was already aware of the living costs and socialising opportunities.

Edinburgh has an extensive and varied nightlife scene.

No, but this was because of the short nature of my work placement and also because it was focused around a research project rather than undertaking specific tasks within the department.