
This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.
Rating
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The Role
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The Company
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The Culture
- 1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?
- 2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?
- 3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?
- 4. How busy were you on a daily basis?
- 5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?
- 6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
- 7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?
- 8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?
- 9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
- 10. What were the perks on your work placement?
- 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?
- 12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?
- 13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?
- 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?
- 15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?
The Role
Initially it was difficult to enjoy. There was a lot of unorganised change and not much structure. Once things become settled, I have throughly enjoyed my time. It helps to have such a good team to work within.
When I started, I was mainly doing admin/ad hoc tasks that tended to be repetitive. As you progress, and demonstrate your capabilities, I was being given much more substancial work and responsbilities. When you are able to see how the work you do impacts others/the account, it's a great feeling to be trusted with such contributions and to be able to help.
I was lucky to have such a supportive manager. She actively encouraged me to make the most of the year, applying for all different courses - both workshops and e-learning, to develop as a person and my capabilities. I also have regular 1-2-1's each month to discuss how I am performing, what I would like to do in the up-coming months and address any issues or concerns that I might have.
In the beginning the day's went extremley slow due to the lack of work. Whilst this is understandable as you are a complete 'newbie' entering a company and account that you know nothing of, I felt that there wasn't much structure to the IP scheme itself. Once you've got the jist of things, you naturally take on a greater workload and if I ever do find myself lacking something to do, there are always other's who appreciate some support and assistance.
I would say I was given a large amount of responsibility as I progressed through the year. I began to deliver projects, input data and analysis into monthly reporting, deal with high priority incidents and complaints and even deal with VIPs due to working on the Home Office account.
My excel skills have greatly improved since starting my placement - I use it practically every day and so have learnt a lot more of the functions and abilities. My people skills have definitely developed since being in a formal working enviroment which will also assist me in the future.
The Company
As I worked on a customer site, Fujitsu only occupy a small location within a massive building. You are able to meet new faces on a regular basis, but on a whole it's pretty lively. Friday's are like a ghost town due to the number of customers (who make up the majority of the building) who work from home. This can also be said of FJ employees but there will always be the regulars in to keep you company!
The IP program involving the entire cohort is very well organised. There are numerous get togethers and structured activities such as the CSR project and networking event. Individually, I don't think it is as structured as is it could be. It's down to you to make the most of your year and get the most out of it.
I have taken many e-learning courses, both free and paid, and have attended a number of workshops. There are plenty available to choose from, some more popular than others and so you may have to sign onto the waiting list. I would advise attending/booking as many as possible.
Flexi Time
Subsidised Canteen
The Talent Management actively encourage you to come back as a Grad. They give you as much assistance as they possibly can - mock interviews, behavioural competencies they look for etc. It's very encouraging to come back. It would be nice if you could choose which account to come back on, or even come back to the same team - which isn't always possible.
The Culture
Our cohort organised many events, often after formal events as it's generally the only time we are all in the same location. I was lucky having another placement student on the same account as me and in the same location. Being on a customer site, although in London, you can be cut off from the others as the majority are based in Bracknell.
I had to relocate closer to London as my daily commute would be far too long/expensive. Having to pay rent and bills in London is very costly, so if you can live at home and commute I would advise doing so! Those who were based in Bracknell were able to get houses together which worked out cheaper and more convenient.
Being in London, there is plenty to do. I have been out many times with those in my team. There is so much to do and so many places to go, you can never get bored.
Our cohort organised events, but other than that I would say no.
Details
Placement (10 Months+)
Government, Information Technology, Sales, Business Management, Purchasing and Supply
London
May 2014