Placement Year Review at E.ON UK

The Role

Role Description

My placement has been in E.ON Climate & Renewables - where the focus is renewable energy.
My focus has been on managing the settlements for the windfarms. I have also been responsible for some of the financial accounting for one of E.ON's largest offshore windfarm developments, and for looking after some of our intercompany balances. I have managed the company expenses for the Climate and Renewables team.

1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I never imagined that I would have been given so much responsibility whilst on placement.Although at times this put me under a lot of pressure, it was a great experience. This has made it really enjoyable, and I have learnt so much!

2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

My colleagues have supported me throughout my whole placement, and have always put in the time and effort to teach me new things. They are very trusting and are happy to give you new responsibilities. I have made some really good friends here too, who I know I will keep in touch with.

3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

The managers in my team have been very approachable and have always had the time to answer any questions. They sit with the rest of the team, and I find this is really good for staff motivation.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

At the start of the placement, I didn't have much to do. This was the calm before all of the work started coming in! I wasn't pressured into taking extra work on, which was really good to help manage my time effectively. The amount of work I was given was enough to keep me busy.

5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

I have been given so much responsibility, but only because I wanted it. Had my managers not thought I was ready to take on more work, they wouldn't have given me more responsibilities. I think this is a great way to work, as it has ensured that I have enjoyed the work I have done.

6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

I have learnt so many skills, such as using SAP accounting software, advanced Excel skills, presentation & meeting skills etc. My people skills and confidence around new people has also improved greatly. The skills I have developed will be very useful for the rest of my degree, but in particular when applying for graduate jobs. The experience of doing a year's placement has been really good, and has prepared me for the world of work!

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

The atmosphere has generally been upbeat, however month-end in a Finance team is always pretty stressful! We've had regular team lunches, walks etc. and have all worked as a close team

8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I was not on the official undergraduate placement scheme, so I have missed out on getting to know the other undergraduates. This hasn't affected my placement at all though. My managers have all worked together to ensure that I have been kept busy, and I have had monthly reviews to discuss progress.

9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

I have been on courses and had 1-2-1 training. There have always been people around to help me if I have questions, or want to learn something new. There are so many opportunities to develop, including opportunities to go to other sites, and sometimes abroad.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

• Flexi Time
• Subsidised Canteen
• Sports and Social Club
• Subsidised/Company Gym
• National Travel
• Company Parties/Events
• Above 25 days holiday
• Working from home

11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I am currently preparing for an assessment centre to hopefully get onto the graduate scheme.

Other Information

12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Although there were lots of opportunities to go out with the team, I missed out on a lot of these as I was commuting.

13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I commuted so didn't leave in the area. When I did go out in Coventry the cost was fine.

14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

N/A

15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

There is a sports/social club, that offer trips out, however I didn't get involved with this.

Review 20/22 for E.ON UK

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