Guest Bloggers

Do you want to let other students know about what REALLY happens during a placement year?!

This is the third year we are inviting students who are on a placement, and those who are applying, to write a blog about their experiences.

Below you can read regular updates covering all aspects of the placement process; expect some highs, lows, maybe tears, and probably hangovers. Feel free to comment on the blogs, or if you are interested in becoming a blogger and sharing your experiences contact us here.

Our first new blogger for 2010/2011 is Samantha Taylor, who is about to start a year long placement at Microsoft. Microsoft were named the RateMyPlacement Top Employer for 2010 so Samantha will be filling us in on all the highs and lows of working within Marketing during her year on placement.

Samantha Harris vital stats
Company: Microsoft
Age: 21
University: Aston
Job Role: IT Pro Audience Marketing Manager

“Hello, I’m Sam and after two years in Birmingham I’ve moved back to the homely South to enjoy a year at Microsoft. My main passion is sport with TKD and running coming top! Those that know me would say I’m addicted to sport! I’m really excited about working for a year and can’t wait to get the most out of my placement as possible!!” Read her latest blog here.

Our second blogger for 2010/2011 is Maddy Perry, who is about to start a year long placement at Janssen-Cilag. Maddy will be filling us in on all her experiences during her year on placement.

Maddy Perry vital stats
Company: Janssen-Cilag
Age: 21
University: Aston
Job Role: Learning and Development Assistant

“Hi, I’m Maddy, I’m currently studying Psychology and Sociology at Aston Uni in Birmingham. I have just started my year long placement at the pharmaceutical company called Janssen-Cilag (part of Johnson & Johnson) in High Wycombe. I am hoping that this year is going to bring me experiences that I can really learn from…I will keep you all updated!” Read her latest blog here.

Our third blogger for 2010/2011 is Aaron Sullivan, who is about to start a year long placement at Trigger Software Limited.

Aaron Sullivan vital stats
Company: Trigger Software Limited
Age: 20
University: University of Gloucestershire
Job Role: Developer Intern

“Hey everyone. My name’s Aaron and after a lot of searching around for the past few months for a placement within a specific area of Computing, I have managed to find an extremely promising placement. The company I have joined for the year is a software company called Trigger, in Cheltenham. I will be going through my experiences throughout the year on this blog so feel free to see how I am coping with the work load and how I progress!” Read his latest blog here.

Our next blogger for 2010/2011 is Rishi Ramnani, who is about to start a year long placement at Hays Financial Markets.

Rishi Ramnani vital stats
Company: Hays Financial Markets
Age: 20
University: University of Portsmouth
Job Role: Resourcer

“Hi! My name is Rishi Ramnani, and I consider myself to be a young finance professional, still studying, but about to venture on a 12 month placement at Hays Financial Markets, within the Banking Operations Team. I’m targeting two main sectors in Banking & Finance for my future career – Investment Banking & Trading. I am in the process of establishing a Bright Futures society, in 2011, to help students gain commercial awareness and network with top graduate employers. I am also hoping to undertake a financial qualification within the next year, and targeting an opportunity to undertake a masters upon graduation in 2012, at either LSE or CASS Business School. I put myself forward to become a guest blogger, because I’d like to share my experiences and knowledge, to help others achieve in Banking & Finance.” Read his latest blog here.

Our next blogger for 2010/2011 is Ben Kemmish, who is about to start a year long placement at State Street.

Ben Kemmish vital stats
Company: State Street
Age: 20
University: Surrey University
Job Role: Global Research Intern

“Hi, my name is Ben and I’m a student at the University of Surrey, studying an Economics BSc and currently undertaking a placement year with State Street in the Global Research team in London. I am an incredibly friendly and enthusiastic person who loves meeting and socialising with new people, the last two years of university has been perfect for this! I have always believed the more people you know the better! I enjoy working hard and motivating others in a similar mind-set. I want to work in Banking and Finance since I love the energy within the industry and the potential I believe I can bring to a job in the city. Long term, I intend to pursue a career in investment management, but this placement year will hopefully give me a better idea of what career will suit me best!” Read his latest blog here.

Our next blogger for 2010/2011 is David Galbriath, who is about to start a year long placement at Computer Sciences Corporation.

David Galbriath vital stats
Company: Computer Sciences Corporation
Age: 21
University: Queens University Belfast
Job Role: Business Intern

“Hello ! I’m David and from Belfast. This year I’m making the jump to London/Guildford for my placement year! I study Computing and IT, but have broken the shackles of the expected code monkey placement and sorted out a business position with CSC! I’m pretty ambitious and competitive and expect to hopefully make as much of a difference as possible during my placement. In terms of what I enjoy doing? Well, I cave, I Couch Surf and have even ran my own wee business in videography!” Read his latest blog here.

Our next blogger for 2010/2011 is Anna Morrison, who is about to start a year long placement at GlaxoSmithKline.

Anna Morrison vital stats
Company: GlaxoSmithKline
Age: 20
University: University of Leeds
Job Role: Communications Assistant for Global Community Partnerships

“Hi! I’m Anna, I’m at Leeds University and currently on my placement year with GSK in London which I’m loving! I enjoy shopping, going to the gym, meeting new people, chillaxing with some good TV and food and of course going out to the pubs and clubs!” Read his latest blog here.

Our next bloggers for 2010/2011 are Karla Linnell and Anna Clark, who are both working at TUI for their year in placement.

Karla and Anna’s vital stats
Company: TUI
Age: Both 20
University: Karla is from Bournemouth and Anna is from Loughborough
Job Role: Karla is an Accommodation Only Trader and Anna is Cruise Product Assistant

“Hi, we are Karla and Anna and we have just begun a Commercial Placement at TUI TRAVEL PLC. We are really looking forward to the year ahead and have heard great things from the Placement students that have just left. We will keep you posted throughout the year about what we are up to in our job roles and what we think about the overall scheme!” Read their latest blog here.

Our next blogger for 2010/2011 is Roxanne Perrett, who is working at the Avon and Somerset Criminal Justice Board for her year on placement.

Roxanne Perrett’s vital stats
Company: Avon and Somerset Criminal Justice Board
Age: 21
University: University of the West England
Job Role: Project Support Officer

” I’m Roxanne and have just started a years placement with one of the most important public services in England – The Criminal Justice Board. After completing my second year at UWE I felt it was time for a year of hard work and insight into the business world. Although a placement was not compulsory for me the opportunity arose and I’ll be taking you with me along the journey.” Read their latest blog here.

Our next blogger for 2010/2011 is Sarah Atkins, who is working at GlaxoSmithKline for her year on placement.

Sarah Atkin’s vital stats
Company: GlaxoSmithKline
Age: 21
University: University of Birmingham
Job Role: Human Resources

“Hi I’m Sarah. I am a student at the University of Birmingham and I am on a Placement Year at GlaxoSmithKline, working within Leadership and Organisational Development HR. I am loving working for such a recognised company and of course living and socialising in London. I enjoy meeting new people, rowing, going to the gym, shopping and of course going out. I have already learnt so much on my placement and its only 6 weeks in!! I hoping this year will give me a real insight into work after University!” Read her latest blog here.

Interested in meeting our Guest Bloggers from 2009/2010?

They have all finished or are nearly finishing their placements so a big thank you for their amazing blogs during the year….

Craig Harris, started his year long placement at Fujitsu Services in 2009. Craig will be filling us in on all the highs and lows of working within HR for a leading IT Services company.

Craig Harris vital stats
Company: Fujitsu Services
Age: 20
University: Loughborough

“My name is Craig Harris and I’m currently studying Management Sciences at Loughborough University. I’ve secured a placement at Fujitsu Services working in the HR department in Bracknell. Here I will share my experiences; the good, the bad and the ugly; hopefully more of the first ones though” Read his latest blog here.

Our second new blogger for 2009/2010 is Chris Hall. Chris is the only student we have who is blogging about his experiences on unpaid summer internships. For 6 weeks Chris will be working and writing about his experiences. Who knows what and where the Summer holds…watch this space to find out

Chris Hall vital stats
Company: Generate Sponsorship
Age: 21
University: Bournemouth

“Hello. Hello. I’m Chris Hall, a 21-year-old second student studying at Bournemouth Uni. I’m currently about to start my six week summer placement and want to give you guys an insight into my life living in London at Generate Sponsorship PR. UNPAID”
Read his latest blog here.

Our third new blogger for 2009/2010 is Colin Davies. Colin is going to be starting his RateMyPlacement blogging career whilst travelling around China for 3 weeks (Lucky him!) before he starts his year long placement at Microsoft in Reading. To read tales of Chinese delicacies and train networks, placement advice and Microsoft, Colin is your guy!

Colin Davies vital stats
Company: Microsoft
Age: 21
University: Nottingham Trent

“Hello guys, My name is Colin and I used ratemyplacement a whole load when I was researching into placements. I don’t start work at Microsoft until July 6th but I will start blogging whilst i am on my travels around China to give you a bit of advice/build up to how I got myself into the position I am in now…” Read his latest blog here.

Following on from Colin, we have Sarah Melrose, who is also going to be working at Microsoft in Reading. It will be great to see the differences in their experiences… despite working in the same place!

Sarah Melrose vital stats
Company: Microsoft
Age: 20
University: DeMontfort University

“Hi, I’m Sarah, studying Marketing Management at De Montfort University in Leicester. I’m just about to start my most important year so far at uni, and hopefully the best, and begin my placement at Microsoft in Reading. I am starting my placement soon, moving into a house with 5 other interns at Microsoft, and will certainly keep you posted!” Read her latest blog here

Our fifth new blogger for 2009/2010 is Julian Reddick. Unlike our other bloggers, Julian has recently finished his finals at Loughborough University. He is about to embark on a summer long internship for Credit Suisse at their Canary Wharf office in their derivatives division before he begins studying for his MA at Warwick in September. The natural question is why is he going to be interning this summer rather than looking for a graduate role and throughout his blog he will aim to answer that very question, along with sharing all the details of his new experiences.

Julian Reddick vital stats
Company: Credit Suisse
University: Loughborough University

“Bonjour, I am writing this introductory blog from the sunny climate of the south of France where I am spending 10 days relaxing with my family before starting my internship on June 29th. I will be working for Credit Suisse at their Canary Wharf office in their derivatives division and have recently finished my finals at Loughborough University where I studied Computing and Management, so this holiday is a much needed break before the busy summer ahead.This summer will be full of new experiences and will be a great learning opportunity, I look forward to sharing it with you all.
Cheers, Julian …” Read his latest blog here.

New for this year, Grant Thornton now have their very own guest blogger. Lucy will be telling us all the juicy details of her experiences at GT, as she works as a Tax Intern on a 6-week Summer Internship.

Lucy Hardman vital stats
Company: Grant Thornton
University: Bristol University

“Hi! My name’s Lucy and I’m currently completing a 6-week summer internship at Grant Thornton’s London office. I am about to go into my final year studying physics at Bristol and last year I spent a year studying in Grenoble in the French Alps. Over the next few weeks I hope to give you an insight into life as an intern at GT!” Read her latest blog here.

For one month only, we will be gaining a great insight into the world of Intel. Sam Jones will be filling us in on his year so far, what it took to gain his placement and the in’s and out’s of his last month as an Intel employee.

Sam Jones vital stats
Company: Intel
University: Loughborough University

“Hi, I’m Sam Jones and I am a student at Loughborough University, currently on a placement with Intel Corporation (UK). I’ve already been on the placement for 12 months, and have just 1 more month to go! Here at Intel we have a 1 month handover period where the current (old!) interns and their replacements are at work at the same time. In this blog I will keep you updated on the progress of that month; from training, to integration socials, to leaving parties. My replacement starts on July 9th, more will follow…Sam” Read his latest blog here.

Taking over from Sam, is his replacement Emily Barman. Emily will be blogging about her time at Intel over the next 12 months of her placement; filling us in on what it is like to work within Marketing, Communications & Events!

Emily Barman vital stats
Company: Intel
University: Aston University

“Hi. I’m Emily and I started a Marketing placement at Intel about a month ago. I go to Aston University and am studying Marketing where a placement year is compulsory for everyone in the Business School. This means that although the university has a lot of contacts, there is also a lot of competition between students to try and secure a great job at a great company. I’ll start from the beginning…” Read her latest blog here.

Up next is Godfrey Atuahene Junior. He has managed to secure not only an Internship for this summer but a year long placement as well, which means he has got a lot too write about. Working in HR, Godfrey will be able to fill us in on what it is like working within the ‘people focused’ profession.

Godfrey Atuahene Junior’s vital stats
Company: Whipps Cross Hospital (Internship)/Brent Borough Council (Placement)
University: University of Portsmouth

“Hello everyone my name is Godfrey, and I have secured an Internship at Whipps Cross Hospital and a Placement year at Brent Borough Council. I am studying Human Resources Management at Portsmouth University and have just finished my 2nd year. I am very happy that I’ve completed 2 years of uni already, but it feels like it has gone all in a flash to be honest! Now is the start of my HR working life and I am going to take you guys with me on my trip throughout my Internship and year on Placement. I’m sure there is going to be many highs and lows…” Read his latest blog here.

Unlike our other bloggers Sam will be writing fewer blogs, covering each third of her placement at GSK. Working within the Global Community Partnerships department, we will get to find out all the juicy details of working within communications in a large corporate firm…

Sam Gray vital stats
Company: GlaxoSmithKline
Age: 20
University: Newcastle University

“This time a year ago I remember scrolling through ratemyplacement.co.uk looking for potential placements in which to apply, now I am writing about my placement at GlaxoSmithKline for them!” Read her latest blog here.

New to blogging are Faye and Heather from TUI UK. They will be writing our first joint blog on their experiences whilst on placement within the product department. Offering insight into working within the tourism industry, follow the girls travel highlights and day to day expectations.

Faye and Hannah vital stats
Company: TUI UK
University: Nottingham Trent/Aston University

“Hi we are Heather and Faye and we are going to be sharing our experiences from working at TUI UK. I, Heather am currently studying International Business and Economics at Aston University. Faye is currently studying Business Studies at Nottingham Trent University. We are both on placement at TUI UK in their product department, where pretty much everything that goes into the brochure is decided from which hotels to which prices to which pictures to which resorts. There are other placements at TUI UK in the Trading department, where prices are changed in reaction to demand from customers. “ Read their latest blog here.