Placement Year Review at LCH.Clearnet

The Role

Role Description

I was first placed with the Service Desk, performing analytics using Excel to measure performance and this also gave me a good general background to the company and its clients. I then moved on to Data Centre Management, during which time I gained experience of working in a data centre environment, the standards that need to be upheld, and also to cabling a data centre.

I also had experience with the Operations team, gaining exposure to the software used for monitoring the production systems, such as BMC Patrol, BMC Remedy, BMC Bladelogic, etc. I also created a wiki for the IT operations team for them to store their documentation and information about the team.

Throughout the year, I also worked as part of the Capacity Management team, heavily using the capacity and performance monitoring software TeamQuest. As part of this section of my role, I have also liaised heavily with other teams such as Windows, Unix, VMS, DBAs and Networks, gaining some insight into their work also, whilst also liaising with other departments as internal clients when they required information relating to capacity issues.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

I really enjoyed my placement at LCH. Despite going into the placement not knowing necessarily to any great extent the details of the role I was undertaking, I very much enjoyed it.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I very much felt valued by my colleagues, and the team I was part of provided me lots of support throughout my placement.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

My manager was very easy going, and I had no trouble going to him if I required any guidance, and he was always willing to provide me with any support I needed, whether it be training or just advice.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

The business of role did vary, with some days being quite quiet, and others rushed off my feet, but I almost always had something to do, and the busiest of days were not too frequent.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I was given a fair amount of responsibility during my placement, being given small projects to complete largely on my own, that had quite wide-ranging effects.

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

The role I performed at LCH was slightly less technically inclined than the degree course I am pursuing, so in that respect I probably haven't learnt too many skills that will assist with my degree, but it has had the effect of altering my view of what I wish to do once I have completed my studies, leaning more towards and broader, rather than a specialist technical area.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

The atmosphere was always pretty lively and busy, and I never felt bored.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

The placement was very well organised, with several internal courses lined up for the placement students to participate in.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

• Sports and Social Club
• Subsidised/Company Gym
• Company Parties/Events

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

Whilst the company were unable to offer me a role for after I graduate, I would definitely consider apply for a role there in the future, whether it be as soon as I finish my degree or later on.

Other Information

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

The placement students met up on a regular basis, either for lunch, or to go out after work, and this continued throughout the year. I also went out with my colleagues around the area after work a number of times.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

I can't really comment on this as I lived outside of London and commuted in, but given it's in the City of London, it's going to be fairly expensive on both counts, but of course if you're willing to live a little further out of town and commute in, then it can be quite reasonable.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

There were lots of pubs and bars around the area where people tended to go every now and again after work, so no shortage on that front.

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

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

The Sports and Social committee often organised events such as go-karting or golf days that it was possible to go on.

Review 9/10 for LCH.Clearnet

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