Training & Communications co-ordiantor Review

Overall, I enjoyed it quite a lot as it was a completely new working environment for me. It was interesting to experience what it is like working in office settings, it was even more interesting learning about how the energy company works and the rather long and complex processes that goes on in the background, to ensure the lights are kept on and gas is flowing throughout the UK.

I felt valued as I was always thanked and praised for my hard work and efforts. Even when I decided to do some volunteering during work hours as part of my Personal Development Plan, I was unexpectedly rewarded for this too, which I am really grateful for.

I was given a good amount of support. It was easy for me to approach management/placement supervisors if I needed help and guidance and they were always happy to catch up to discuss progress when I requested. The placement itself is very well structured too, as it is mandatory for placement student to have Quarterly Review Meetings - this was a good way of recording, measuring and discussing my progress throughout the year with my manager and supervisors and a chance for me to voice any concerns, questions or ideas I had.

On average, I was fairly busy each day. But I found that at times my work load would fluctuate - sometimes I had many things to do and some days I had very little. In the latter case I always informed my manger and I was given new tasks.

I was given a fair amount of responsibility. I was aware that the tasks that I undertook were crucial, and therefore added value to my team and my department overall. However, looking back, I could have asked for more!

The knowledge, skills and experience gained throughout my placement, I believe will contribute positively towards my degree. This is because I have the experience of working in the 'real world' and therefore can easily compare theory that I study in University with real life situations. Also, the general skills that I have developed such as improved communication, confidence, becoming more advanced using Microsoft Excel, problem-solving, team working skills, leadership etc are all very valuable and transferable skills.

The atmosphere was great and much better than I imagined. Most people were friendly and always in a positive mood. Most people were easy to approach and were always willing to assist if I needed it.

The placement was very well structured. The training we were given at the beginning was very good and useful. Throughout the year, each placement student had quarterly review meetings as a way of measuring and discussing progress. We were also given material to help us record our progress such as Personal Development Plan sheets and Quarterly Review feedback sheets. At the beginning of the placement I was given my set objectives which made it easier to understand the expectations of me and the type of things I would be doing throughout my placement. The placement supervisors were always around and available to meet, assist and give me advice whenever I needed it. Lastly, we were involved in some good events such as Placement Student Knowledge Share Day which was a good way for us to share with each other what we have been doing during our placement, as well as a chance to socialise.

I think the company invested very well in me. From the training and support we received, to the social/networking events organised for placement students, to the trips we were allowed to go on (e.g gas compressor stations, nuclear power stations etc), the volunteering I was able to participate in, including emphasis on my personal development plan and hitting my objectives - I am very grateful!

Very appealing - I think there is opportunity to move in to different and interesting departments, and because the company is so large - there seem to be many departments to choose from!

Yes - my placement students colleagues are a friendly and sociable bunch. Also, there was always someone in my department (or from other departments) organising a dinner/pub night/event - there was always something interesting to attend or participate in!

I am a bargain hunter so although the area I lived in is considered quite expensive (Leamington Spa) I managed to find a good place and the rent was very reasonable! In comparison to how much I was earning during my placement, I was able to live comfortably. I was able to socialise too - there are some good and cheap places to have a fun day/night out in and around Leamington Spa and Birmingham.

My workplace was in Warwick, but I lived in Leamington Spa (which is only a 7 min drive away). Warwick is very boring, not much there at all (for a student), so the next stop is Leamington Spa. Night life here is fairly good. It's a small town so there isn't 'much' to do, but of course there are a few good clubs/bars where you can have a good night out - I've been to a few of them. I would recommend if you're up for a really good night go to Birmingham - only 25 mins-30 mins away on the train!

Yes - working hours were great and flexible so I always had much time after work to get involved in events, activities etc,