Undergraduate Student - AIT IU Review

The year has been great and certainly exceeded any expectations I had for my year in industry, Although I was based in Southampton, I regularly traveled to and worked in the Head Office in London and was given to opportunity to also go abroad with the company. I have met people both in and out of BAT from all over the world and have enjoyed working within a truly multinational company. Being the first student that has worked within my department, it has been a learning experience for both myself and my team.

Working within a small team has meant that I have performed numerous tasks outside the remit of my project throughout the year. I was made to feel like a valuable member of the team and that I played an important role within the lab in the work I did.

I was given excellent guidance by my manager and by the rest of my team. There was never a time I felt I couldn't ask a question and any queries I did have were always explained clearly. I was given a mentor for the year and was supported very well by him!

It was my responsibility to manage my time effectively so deadlines would be met. I was never left with nothing to do; however the work I did have was not too much that I couldn't cope. If my work stream allowed me to take up extra work within the lab it was my decision and it was never expected of me. There was never a dull moment when working with samples that have been submitted from around the world.

I worked with a variety of end markets across the globe and was constantly in communication with many contacts in various parts of the company. In projects I undertook, it was my responsibility to manage my time and I took control of all the samples for that particular end market by assessing how much time is needed to the final reporting of analysis findings.

I have attended many workshops throughout the year to enhance the skills that will help not just at University but also when I am looking for employment again after 3rd year. Some workshops include; CV writing, report writing and presentation skills. Many of these workshops are specifically ran for the development of the students. I also gained qualifications within the field in which I was working in at BAT. Leading my project has definitely improved my communication, leadership and time management skills; this is something I find invaluable and I would not have earned had it not been for my placement.

It was brilliant. I worked with a small team in a closed office and without the lively and hard working atmosphere I don't think it would be as enjoyable.

Very well, within a couple weeks we had been introduced to all departments of the company. Where I was the first student in my department, we all went through a learning process. However, I was very quickly put in place within the team and started learning the necessary skills within days.

I feel BAT invested a lot in me. I was sent abroad and regularly to London. Although I was only a student, I attended all the training sessions that my team did and so earned the same qualifications as them. There were also sessions set up especially for students to gain experience in departments of the company that we would not usually work in - some of these will help me in my studies when I return to university,

The industry in which BAT operates is always changing, like many industries now. A few former placement students have returned to BAT, however it will be interesting to see what the future holds for the tobacco industry and availability of jobs when I leave university. This said, I would not hesitate in returning to BAT should the opportunities and conditions arise.

There was a good group of students and socialising was not a problem. There was also many experiences both socially and in a more formal setting with my colleagues in Southampton and London.

Its reasonable. Probably the same as most university cities outside of London; there are areas where housing is cheaper but all depends on location.

There are good places and also bad, as long as you know where to go Southampton isn't a bad night out

There are opportunities both organised within the company and in individual teams