Placement Year Review at IDBS

The Role

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Really enjoyed working there as it was something I was interested in. Moments that could be boring (such as documentation work), but that's expected in any job

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Even as a student you are still treated as any other member of the team. Opinions are listened to or even asked for.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

As you become more experienced you are given work that allows you to work more independently, but you are still able to ask for guidance if and when you need it.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Dependent on the projects underway, so there can be times with little to do or lots to do, but on the whole worked out fairly evenly spread.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

As mentioned before you are treated as any other member of the team, so are included on all projects of varying size and importance.

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

Didn't directly assist with my degree studies, as the work wasn't really based on what I was covering at uni, but the job skills attained and the experience gained should be transferrable to many differing industries beyond my degree.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Ability to talk to fellow members of your team and not work in total silence, but not to an extent that effected the ability to cary out work effectively. Everyone happy to help out with any questions or issues that you had.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Felt like a normal full-time job rather than a placement, which worked well for me.

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

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

General training given on their products and software testing practices, but not sent on any training courses.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 0/10

• There were no perks with this placement year

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I really enjoyed my placement there and would happily go back if given the chance.

Other Information

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

Release parties for projects you are involved in, some lunches out and occasional nights out are organised.

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

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

Guildford is a fairly expensive place to live.

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

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

Fairly good nightlife - has to cater for university students.

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

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

There is a nearby sport centre where many people went to classes, play squash, go to the gym, etc during lunch breaks or after work. Also tournaments throughout the year such as pool/snooker.

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?

Was always treated as a colleague rather than a student so felt like I was contributing as much as everyone else, therefore for me felt rewarding and a good representation of working post university.

Review 3/3 for IDBS

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