Project Management Review

It has been a pleasure working at BAE Systems Submarine Solutions. The work was interesting and varied and there were lots of opportunities to get involved with community/charity projects, great way to get to know everyone and develop new skills.

Throughout the year my managers were grateful for my work and were keen to help me develop. We were treated as graduates and given the same opportunities for training, etc. Furthermore, when we did a good job we received praise and at times this included praise from the Managing Director.

We went through regular reviews which were an ideal time to look at areas where you may require support or guidance; however, out with these reviews support was freely given if required particularly by out line manager, who was keen to aid our development as much as possible. Further to this, generally people around the offices are very willing to help.

At the start of each placement within your year at the company you are given set objectives to complete, on top of these you may receive additional tasks to complete. Managers are keen not to overload you with work but to keep you challenged and busy. I also enjoyed community and charity projects, where you worked with the other placement students and graduates. These added to your work load and as they are voluntary you could do as many or little as you wished to keep yourself busy.

The amount of responsibility depends upon how willing you are to receive it. As you progress through your year and placements you will know what you can handle and your objectives can be tailored towards this. You are treated no differently to a graduate and the opportunities are endless!

I think the skills I have developed will be an asset on my return to university and when I commence the graduate scheme. Throughout the year I noticed myself using these new skills and I know there has been a positive change in me.

Everyone is very friendly and there is always the opportunity for a bit of a laugh with your colleagues, good to bonding with your team. In addition, the placement students and the graduates are a close community. There are lots of social events and always someone to speak to.

The placement scheme is very well organised, from application to the end review. Your first placement is organised for you and from then on it is up to you how to shape your year. Furthermore, regular reviews and objective setting gives you a structure to your placements. This year for the new placement students starting, we the current placement students have organised an induction session to welcome them to the business and to the community.

A huge amount is invested in you, both in time and money. They want to see you succeed and in doing so, ensure you want to come back for the graduate scheme. As a project management industrial placement I have been on several related courses. Further to this I have sought out courses and they have been funded such as presentation skills, report writing and Microsoft Project.

Prospects are very good, a graduate position has been offered and I look forward to developing myself further.

There is a fantastic social scene. The placement students arranged their own events, prior to starting and throughout the year. On top of this the graduate community and placement students are one and we regularly socialise. There are monthly planned events on top of the weekly (at the minimum) other regular socialising such as parties, nights out, etc. We ware invited to the graduate ball as well, which was a fantastic evening. Further to this the community and charity projects are a great way for us all to come together.

Very cheap compared to living in a city. My salary more than covered rent and bills. Socialising is also cheap.

I enjoyed the nightlife very much, it was cheap and with such a big group of us there was always something going on.

There are numerous opportunities to get in involved; you just have to pick the ones which suit you. As a company they pride themselves in doing a huge amount for the local community. I myself project managed the painting of a Scout Hall, and got lots of graduates and placement students along to muck in.