PMO (Project Management Office) Analyst Review

I thoroughly enjoyed my placement year with Lloyds Baking Group. I found the working culture to be very friendly and supportive in every team and department I came across. I enjoyed the fact that Lloyds really take into account the work-life balance of their staff, offering flexible working hours, the option to work from home etc. I also enjoyed the fact that there were 5 other placement students on my floor so we had a good social aspect to work also.

I felt extremely valued by my team and line manager in particular. I was given a good level responsibility and could see the work I was doing having a positive effect on my team on a daily basis. Colleagues were sure to praise me when I had done well and were always there to provide encouragement and support if they felt there was room for improvement.

My line manager was second to none, he was always there to prove me with professional support throughout the duration of my placement. He allowed me to work flexibly to complete presentations at my university and was always there if I needed any advice. We formed a real friendship and still keep in touch.

I was eased into my role gradually over a 1 month 'handover period' between myself and the previous placement student (I also completed a handover to my replacement after I had completed my placement). My line manager ensured that I was fully capable and confident of completing set tasks before moving me onto something else, which was reassuring as I didn't want to get overwhelmed. I was given the option to complete additional paid overtime (however this will vary amongst teams) and over the duration of my placement took on a number of additional responsibilities which really helped me to develop. One final positive thing is that I was always given designated time to complete university work, reports etc within my work hours.

Midway through my placement I felt that I was fully comfortable within my role and with the task and responsibilities that I had been given. Due to the nature of my role and team there were plenty of opportunities for me to take on extra responsibilities which I grabbed with both hands. If you are willing to work hard and put the effort in then I'm sure Lloyds will do everything they can to support you in your development.

Due to the nature of my role (Project Management Office Analyst) the main skills I developed were the softer more practical skills that you need to be successful in business. Communication skills, presentations skills, interpersonal skills and stakeholder management are a few which initially stand out to me. There transferable skills have really helped me now that I have returned to university to complete the final year of my degree!!

The culture and atmosphere within the office (I was based in Halifax) was brilliant! Everyone was personable and friendly and always willing to help each other. Within my team and made some great friends which I am still in touch with so I can only give 10/10.

I was actually technically employed through a recruitment agency Lloyds use (Hyphen) who if I'm honest weren't brilliant. However everything on the Lloyds side of things always ran smoothly, I just think that the model of using an external agency is a little flawed, presumably done for cost reasons.

My line manager acted as a personal mentor that I could confide in on both work and personal matters which was very re-assuring. I completed a number on online training courses which I found beneficial. Some of the other placement students were sent to external training courses but this is totally depending on the role, the types of skills you need and if you are using any specific software.

I have been offered and have accepted a place on the Lloyds Banking Group Risk Graduate Scheme starting in 2015. All placement students were put through to an internal assessment centre for this based on line manager feedback. This was then run typically like an other assessment centre. So a graduate position with Lloyds leading directly from your placement is a distinct possibility.

There were numerous other placement students based in Halifax, roughly 12. We went out regularly together, had lunch together, and socialised a lot outside of work too. There was a number of work functions which we also attended, team away days, Christmas partys etc with our wider teams which was also very enjoyable.

I personally lived at home with my parents so probably aren't the best person to comment on this question. However I do know that Halifax is generally very reasonable and the other placement students did not struggle to find accommodation.

Halifax is a pretty good night out but we were also within trains distance of Leeds and Manchester so we never struggled for somewhere to go!!

There were lots of groups and teams who held regular calls and meetings to discuss and arrange additional activities outside of work. If this is the kind of thing that appeals to you then you certainly won't struggle with Lloyds Banking Group.