Placement Year Review at HM Treasury

The Role

Role Description

Carry out policy analysis on current and potential policies. Researching information from the internet or academic journals to base policy upon. Attending meetings with other officials, stakeholders, colleagues.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Very enjoyable and surprisingly relaxed.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

They were very supportive and friendly.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

May depend somewhat on the line manager you get. But generally supportive and gave frequent feedback on work.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Flexi-time allows you to be fairly flexible during your time there. Obviously there are busier times of the year, for example around Budget if you are in a relevant team. But generally a very good work-life balance and there's always more work for you to do so you'll never be bored.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

Given that it's a fairly large department, you're not going to be doing too senior a level work as a student, but you will be given the opportunity to work on real government policy or documents.

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 can't speak highly enough of the skills I have developed there and they will undoubtedly benefit me in my final year of university and in my future career.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

Very relaxed.

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

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

Fairly organised but not as good as I would have hoped given that they employ quite a large number of students.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I did get the opportunity to attend training courses paid for by them.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

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

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

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

Given the current financial situation there are fewer opportunities than in the past as far as I am aware. They are not allowed to offer those who have been successful in their placement a job offer either.

Other Information

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

Had to organise events ourselves but that's not really a bad thing. Enough other students to make them eventful.

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

★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 2/10

Central London so pretty dear.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Central London so pretty good.

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

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

A few clubs, such as football teams, choir. Not an overwhelming choice.

In addition to these questions, is there any extra information you would like to leave about your experiences on your work placement that other students may be interested in?

The time in which they have the application process open is fairly early in the academic year (around October time) and closes after about a month, so apply quickly!

Review 3/4 for HM Treasury

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