HR Placement Review

I was given many opportunities and projects to get involved with over my placement. The work load could have been increased, however, I gained a valuable insight into working in a business environment and communicating with many different people. Overall the experience was enjoyable and I would not change much about it.

When the placement first started I did not feel very valued, however, as time went on and people started to get to know me I felt very valued and the work I did was important and useful. I may not have felt useful at the beginning of my placement due to my own feeling that placements did not need to be valued. This changed dramatically over the course of the year and I gained confidence with the colleagues in the department.

Help, support and guidance were offered if and when needed. Everyone around the site were happy to help and offer their knowledge if possible. My supervisor was always happy to review my work as well as offer any guidance on University work I was given. All members of the department would help out if they could.

The work load would change from week to week. Some weeks I would be very busy while others I may not have much to do at all. I would say the work load could have been increased, however, that does depend on the individual and they way they like to work. For me I wish I had been

I was given a huge amount of responsibility during my placement. When I was set work I was left to think for myself and come up with my own ideas and processes. If I needed help I felt I could ask anyone. It surprised me just how much responsibility I was given and made my experience enjoyable.

All placements received external training which included: Adapting to a business environment, Communication and Presentation skills, Team work and Customer Expectations. All of these training sessions will not only aid me for my university studies but further on in my career. Key skills I developed were my presentation skills and communication skills. I learnt over my placement year just how important these are when you are in a business environment. If I was struggling with a particular skill I was given help and support from my manager as well as colleagues.

With all offices the atmosphere could be stressful some weeks when people had a lot of work on. Overall the atmosphere on an average day was very happy and lively. People would be very talkative and helpful. Everyone was very approachable and always happy to share their knowledge and experience.

It was very organised. I was given a detailed work plan with objectives and a time frame when I first started. This was added to by my manager and myself throughout my placement. An induction and plant tour were organised for the first two days and all important information was given in new starter booklets. I knew exactly where to go on my first day and what was expected.

All placements completed external training. This consisted of Adapting to a Business Environment, Communication and Presentation Skills, Team work and Customer Expectations. All of these modules were given in a days worth of training with materials handed out for placements to keep. I was also given the opportunity to complete other training sessions with members of the department and managers. Overall the company invested a lot of time and money into my placement experience.

The company has very good development prospects. This makes it very appealing as I know I would be developed and trained to a high standard. Many employees stay with the company for years and after university if possible I would apply for a graduate role within the company.

In the site I was at there were only 5 placements and this made it difficult to create a lively social scene. However, this did not really affect me as I lived fairly near to the site, which meant I could go home when I wanted. Some placements did go out at the start of the year and on special occasions.

The area was very nice and quiet with low crime, however, it was quite expensive to go out in the evenings. Drinks were fairly expensive, however, rent prices were not too bad. I paid similar to what is paid in the big university cities.

In the town where the site is situated there is one night club. However, a half an hour taxi ride/ 10 minute train there is a busier town with many more clubs and bars. London also is not too far away and a fast train will get you there in approx. 40 minutes. The town itself has many pubs and some of which are lively and a good night out.

Yes. There is footballs teams which people can get involved with as well as badminton sessions which many different people with different abilities could get involved with. There are also groups set up which hold quiz nights and charity events outside of work. Many departments go out for special occasions e.g. Christmas, Birthdays.