Internship Review at National Grid

The Role

Role Description

Develop a policy for strategic spares for XLPE underground cable.
The initial project wasn't going to be finished in 2 months so we went on to check the Elipse and Link One databases, make corrections and recommendations.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

Good working experience in a brilliant environment. The line manager supported us all the way.

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

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

This was a bit of a problem as some of my colleagues had a little bit of a God complex. I worked really well with good results with all of them except a couple.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Our line manager did his best to ensure we had the best possible experience. He inquired about the status of our work every day. Gave us tips on how to work better. Arranged meeting with different experts so that we gain as much information about the system as possible.
He also tried to bond with us and do a little team building by coming with us to different activities outside the work environment.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

I can't say that the workload overwhelmed us but we always had something to do or to study. We also had site visits that keep us occupied all day.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

Our project was a vital part for the future of cable assets in NG. We had to make sure that all our decisions were correct and the recommendations that we did would help reduce costs and save NG money. Taking this into consideration I can say that our responsibility was pretty big.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

Most of what I've learned during the summer will prove valuable in understanding certain phenomenons and principles that I will learn about in the years to come. Also a lot of info on how the business is run is a life lesson that will help me have an analytic view when developing a business or running a department.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Although it was a work environment the atmosphere wasn't dull. In my opinion this is a very good thing as productivity increases when people are not bored. Even our line managers and other employees were trying to make a few jokes, ask how we are doing.....so keeping the atmosphere friendly.

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

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

It was very well organised. It was thought in such a way that we were given the opportunity to see how almost every side of NG operations work. He also had the option that we go further and investigate on our own different things that we were interested in by talking to people and arranging site visits.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

The company invested a lot both in terms of resources and time. They did almost everything to ensure we get the best training and experience out of the 2 months. Also if we had any others interest the company supported us.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

• Subsidised/Company Gym

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

As far as I have seen so far NG is a very good place to be. The developing opportunities are huge and it would be a perfect start for my career.

Other Information

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

The social part of our placement was great. Most of us lived together and everyday there was something going on. We organised team building activities and field trips !

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

We were lucky to find a very very kind landlord that not only did he offer us very cheap rent but also tried to make our stay as pleasant as possible. Also, compared to other places in the UK the living costs were quite reasonable.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Great nightlife as the center was packed with clubs. We tried to go to as many as possible and take advantage of our free time.

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

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

There were a few events like Imagineering, Rodeo and other volunteering opportunities that got us involved.

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?

Highly recommended place for starting a great career!

Review 103/103 for National Grid

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