Placement Year Review at National Grid

The Role

Role Description

Within the Global Procurement department I worked within the process and systems team which implemented all key changes into the system that buyers award and create contracts with suppliers. My main role was creating a database that held key information and was published to all employees within the organisation. I was also responsible for the websites and carried out a infonet transformation project on behalf of the department.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I thoroughly enjoyed every part of my placement and was exposed to a large amount of great opportunities.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

The team I worked with were like a second family to me. I had a wonderful boss who looked after me at work but also was there to talk to about out of work issues.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

The managers I worked with helped me every step of the way and encouraged me to produce great work when needed.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I was given many projects to get involved in, including one that I was project manager for therefore I was hands on in activities whilst controlling a team as well.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

I was given just the right level of responsibility as it wasn't too much that I felt overwhelmed but was enough that I pushed myself to boundaries I had never been before and was successful at them.

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

My role within the team was very closely linked to my university degree and therefore I was able to expand and develop my skills and knowledge in certain areas to help me in my final year at university.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

My team was very open and worked within a sharing environment therefore we were able to chat and have a laugh however this worked well as we all took work seriously and produced the results when needed.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Very well organised and I settled into the company easily in the first couple of weeks. This was due to the high level of involvement of HR and the line managers.

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

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

Training and development wasn't a key focus on my placement as I had projects to complete and many of the training schedules lasted 4 or 5 days.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

• Subsidised Canteen
• Subsidised/Company Gym
• National Travel
• International Travel
• Financial Bonus
• Company Parties/Events
• Working from home
• Healthcare/Dental

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

I have been asked to join the Graduate scheme at the company and have accepted to do so starting in September 2012

Other Information

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

The company created networking opportunities for all students to get together and even though I commuted from home whilst working I was still able to join in at the social events and made some good friends.

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

★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 4/10

I lived at home and commuted to my place of work therefore I couldn't comment on the local area.

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

★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 4/10

I lived at home and commuted to my place of work therefore I couldn't comment on the local area.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

The company runs many clubs and sports activities outside of work and they encouraged all students to get involved and participate.

Review 101/103 for National Grid

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