Placement Year Review at Alstom

The Role

Role Description

I was part of a team which dispatched tickets for IT related issues. We had to liaise with people all over the world. I was also involved in printing and setting up remote access cards for users, and also in the implementation of a new process. As asset manager, I was responsible for taking care of the UK hardware database and carrying out quarterly audits of spare kit around the UK. I also got involved in other projects - such as student recruitment and a national project to upgrade PCs.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

The job was fantastic - I was given a lot of responsibility and really felt valued as a member of the team.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

The whole atmosphere at the Rugby office was like a big family - everyone was so friendly and willing to help out with anything, be it related to work or not. We had a lot of fun as well as working hard!

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

My manager was great, he was really supportive and I got a one to one review with him every month. He encouraged me to push myself and I learnt a lot of things from him.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Some days were busier than others, but every day I had enough to do - not too much and not too little. I was never bored on placement at all!

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I was given a lot of responsibility with lots of projects assigned to me, that only I could progress to completion. I was also part of some pretty big projects, where I was instrumental in their progress.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I wouldn't say that I learnt a lot of academic skills on placement - it wasn't very technical - but I learnt a lot of project management and people skills, which you can't learn out of books.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

The office atmosphere was great, we all got along and had some good laughs. Birthday cakes, holiday sweets and bacon bap Fridays were some of the highlights!

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

The placement was very well organised. HR and the office I worked in were involved to make sure we settled in well and received some really helpful training.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I was enrolled on an ITIL course, as well as various other privately run courses about general business issues (time management, presentation skills etc). They certainly didn't skimp on our training!

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

• Flexi Time
• Subsidised Canteen
• National Travel
• Financial Bonus
• Company Parties/Events

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

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

I'd love to work at Alstom again, but it really depends on the availability of a job as there is no graduate scheme.

Other Information

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

We went out a few times, but not a lot. Most of the fun was had in the office or at lunchtimes as many staff had families to go home to. Towards the end of placement we got into karting occasionally though!

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

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

Although I didn't live in Rugby, the town was apparently quite expensive - but I know some of my fellow students got some fairly well priced housing.

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

★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 3/10

Rugby isn't really famed for its nightlife - I think it has one club and a few pubs?

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

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

There weren't many opportunities unless you set them up yourself. People were often keen to go out for lunchtimes though, and sometimes after work.

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?

Alstom was great - I learnt a lot about work, what I want to do and also a lot about myself. The people there were amazing, and I think the whole culture within Alstom's IT is second to none.

Review 2/2 for Alstom

Previous