This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.
Rating
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The Role
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The Company
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The Culture
- 1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?
- 2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?
- 3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?
- 4. How busy were you on a daily basis?
- 5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?
- 6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
- 7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?
- 8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?
- 9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
- 10. What were the perks on your work placement?
- 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?
- 12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?
- 13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?
- 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?
- 15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?
The Role
I could not fault it! I absolutely loved my time at TopCashback and am so sad to see it has come to an end. I have gained so many new skills and have thoroughly enjoyed working with every employee at the company.
From the moment I walked through the door I was welcomed into the team and the company as a whole, and was given tasks that suited my skill set. I feel that every single employee is treated correctly and fairly. Although I am a student I was certainly not undermined in any way what so ever.
Again I could not fault my line manager. He has assisted me through any project if I have asked for guidance, and has been really friendly and approachable. I didn't really have any problems but I knew I could speak to him if I was worried about something as I knew he would deal with it in the right way.
At first it was a little quiet in terms of tasks given, but it soon picked up to a steady pace and I was able to undertake more than one task at a time which gave some variation into each day. No 2 days were the same which meant it wasn't repetitive in any way. I literally enjoyed everyday working there as there was always something new to work on.
I'd say as soon as my skills were being recognised it would determine how responsible I was for something. Being that I was constantly adding new things to the site I felt responsible for making sure it was done correctly so it didn't create a bad experience/impression for the members. The bigger projects I felt a lot more responsible for, but it was nothing that I couldn't ask for guidance on if I was unsure of the approach to take.
I've gained so many new skills in 12 months! From business knowledge to independence, I've really grown as a designer since starting at the company. I think confidence is one of the main things I've gained from this placement. After not being confident in my own work or worried to speak in front of others in meetings, being praised for my designs and contributions improved it massively! I can't thank them enough for giving me a great experience.
The Company
Although professional the atmosphere was not dull in any way! I wasn't really sure what to expect starting at a company that is worldwide and has such a high member base, but it really was a fun environment to work in as everyone is just so friendly! There was never a day where a nice comment wasn't made to me or even just a friendly chat. It made me feel so welcome knowing I could speak to anyone within the company, including the director, and I would walk away with a smile on my face.
Seamless! Very well organised. I think because the company offer so many opportunities to work in all departments I can tell they prepare well for the changes. For example on my first day I was shown around the office, greeting all departments personally to get myself known and was then shown a presentation giving a better insight into the history of the company and each department with what they work on on a daily basis. It made working there so much easier after being given an insight into each department and how each of them work along side each other to build TopCashback into an amazing business!
Everything, there was no hesitation for me to be trained on things I wasn't 100% on. Getting to know the ways of the company and how everything worked was explained very well, and I was glad to pass on my knowledge learned to the new starters in my department before I left. As previously said if I was unsure about anything I knew that all staff within the company were approachable at any time to ask for help.
Financial Bonus
Company Parties/Events
Above 25 days holiday
Very likely, I have been offered to come back to work after graduating university. I'm not from the Staffordshire area so it will have to be something that I consider, however in terms of the company itself I would really not hesitate to go back to working here as I know I am going to miss it.
The Culture
It was great! I think because all placements students feel in the same position as they have not been there that long it makes everyone get on so well! I made so many new friends within the company and not just with the placement students.
Because I had never moved away from home before, again I was unsure what to expect in terms of my outgoings. However I found it very affordable to buy my necessary supplies each week and would still be left with money to socialise in the many different bars & restaurants around the area.
The nightlife was very good, there were various clubs and bars around the town to get together with colleagues and friends after work. There was a lot to choose from and the atmosphere was great.
Yes!!! So many!!! From charity events to the social parties there was so much to be included with outside as well as inside of work. The company are very charitable and are always coming up with new ideas to raise money for charity. Whilst being there I took part in a 5K run with numerous colleagues which helped raise money for their chosen charity. Also, the social events are not to be missed! I can't believe how much planning goes into them but they really do an amazing job! It's a great opportunity to see the faces from the other offices that you have only spoke to by email or on the phone.
Details
Placement (10 Months+)
West Midlands
July 2015