Year 10 Student Placement Review

I enjoyed the experience so much that I would like to get myself a summer job there during my studies.

I got involved in multiple tasks, some of which contributed to the company. All the employees were friendly and I was slightly surprised to find that almost everyone knew each other or at least everyone knew everyone in their department. The receptionists were welcoming, friendly and made me happy to wait the extra 15 minutes in the morning before the work began. Considering I was only there for 3 days I felt they made the experience very enjoyable.

I was constantly with another employee who supervised and helped me during my work placement. They were always willing to help if there were any issues and problems.

I learnt a few new A-levels stuff in chemistry that will be useful as I am currently considering doing Chemical Engineering at university.

For 3 days they managed to squeeze me into almost all of the different departments Lubrizol has and the majority of the time I didn't spend too long in an individual department. They had created a timetable for me where the time slots were precise to 30 minutes.

Since I was constantly moving and discovering what happens in each department there was always something for me to ask about, to do and to learn. I was almost always engaged in doing something and there was always something that fascinated me. Even though things that are standard from the employees point of view, the employees were willing to answer all my questions and made the experience interesting and fun.

The company organised different employees to take me around their department for a set amount of time where I was involved in different activities.

Since I was constantly moving I didn't get to see what an individuals full day is like but they helped me to understand what they do each day by giving me an example or by doing a task they have been set as part of their daily routine. I got involved with these activities and I stayed for the same working hours the average employee has.

I discovered a lot about Lubrizol in how they operate, work and communicate. I have learnt that they are situated around the world to the smallest details such as the fact they use the american date to reduce confusion on an international level and that they use many acronyms.

It has made me realise that I am really interested in chemistry and want to pursue a career in a chemistry / engineering related field.

I was not anticipating to be paid as it was just year 10 work-experience.

Yes, I met a number of different employees at lunch time and met some of my supervisors colleagues.

Fun and enjoyable.

Even though I was there for a short period of time I was aware of the sporting activities available to the employees.

Most definitely