Summer Placement Review

It was very enjoyable - I got on well with my colleagues and the time passed incredibly quickly.

I always felt that there was someone to turn to when I needed assistance. And could go to them when I had any problems (even if these were not related to work). I was also invited on a night out with them.

I was given good advice on applying to the GDF for when I leave University next Summer and this being my third Summer Placement with the company I know that they will go out of their way to help (especially as the first placement I did wasn't really suited to me, so they relocated me on my return).

I always had something to do, and as soon as I finished a task my colleagues would go out of their way to find me something else to do.

I was treated like a full member of the team. When work came in to the department I would be assigned jobs. It was great to see my work being put to use.

Although the skills I learnt won't necessarily help me in my degree in Maths I believe the skills that I have come away with will be invaluable. Especially when I start the job application process.

There was always someone to talk to. However, with the office being open plan it did tend to get a little noisy - my boss didn't mind me bringing in my iPod to listen to though.

The only problem that I encountered with organisation was with HR (but apparently this is a common occurence)

The company definitely knows how to treat its graduates well. Courses were available to us, help and advice was there when needed.

The only criticism I would have is that I will still have to go through the assessment centre to get a job with them. I would have thought that completing 3 placements would give a better indication of my suitability for the role than any assessment centre could.

The placement students met often - although I didn't join them these activities were still available.

I was able to live at home, so the cost of living was very low for me. Rent in the area is particularly cheap though, and it is sometimes possible to find board with other employees.

The nightlife in Barrow is notoriously bad - but there are nicer pubs and restaurants if you venture a bit out of town.

The Summer Placement students were treated like the rest of the grads and we were invited along to events with them. There are lots of activities available in the area, and we are very close to the Lake District National Park.