Placement Year Review at GCHQ

The Role

Role Description

Had full responsibility for a new data visualisation project. This involved carrying out requirements capture with the customer, then creating a system design. Once this was done I moved onto programming it, as part of team with another student. The final program was demonstrated to customers to ensure they were satisfied with the outcome. As the program’s user base increased, I delivered several training sessions on how to use the program. I was also responsible for the support of the program, delivering updates and fixing bugs, and ensuring that requested features were being added. The program is now in use across several teams, and is looking to be adopted corporately.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

I was able to work independently on interesting projects. Later into the placement I had the freedom to choose my own projects, so could fit the work I was doing to suit my interests.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Very valued – the majority of the programs I wrote are used on a daily basis. I felt like I was a part of the team, and felt that when I had something to say it was listened to.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

I was left to get on with my work independently, but whenever I needed help with something, someone would always be willing to help. I got excellent help on any paperwork that needed to be done, along with any business related activities that had to be done.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Most of the time I had projects to work on, but occasionally there would be quiet times. If I had too much work to do, it was usually possible to ease this.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Had full responsibility for several highly used programs.

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

My programming skills are much better now than when I came in, and I feel I have learnt far more at work than I did at uni. I was also given assistance on project ideas for my final year project.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Very fun, lots of days out with the team (Thorpe Park, ice skating, pub). People in the office were always willing to help or explain something. Most people were generally laid back, and were able to have fun in the office, but get things done quickly when they needed to be.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Very well organised. What had to be done was clearly communicated. The placement team were easy to get hold of if there was a problem that needed to be sorted.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I had no formal training, but I received a lot of on the job training, so I quickly learnt a lot of new skills that I would never have learnt at uni.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

• Flexi Time
• Subsidised Canteen
• Sports and Social Club
• Subsidised/Company Gym
• Financial Bonus
• Company Parties/Events
• Staff Sales/Staff Shop

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

I hope to come back. It is encouraged to move around within the department, so you gain a lot of exposure to different jobs, while staying in the same company. The work is also very interesting compared to most jobs, even if the pay doesn’t increase as quickly as it would in the private sector.

Other Information

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Lots of trips to the pubs.

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

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

It is reasonably expensive, but the pay is higher than a normal placement, so it balances out.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

Good nightlife for a small town. Lots of clubs, pubs, excellent restaurants. The comedy scene is excellent, although the music scene is poor.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

There are lots of sports clubs you can get involved with, including a department football league.

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?

Really worthwhile and definitely worth considering if you have a passion for technology.

Review 2/2 for GCHQ

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