Placement Year Review at Cisco

The Role

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Very good placement with different opportunities available across all departments - whether you're an analyst or developer, there is always something to get involved in. You'll be thrown into the deep end, but this is really the best way to learn and develop your skills if you want to do well.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Everyone is very approachable and make you feel like a valued employee. My input is always welcome.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Hold regular 1-to-1s with my manager on a bi-weekly basis, which covered and provided support for any tasks I was doing (whether work or university related)

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

This can fluctuate, but if you want work - there is always work. After the first month, time will really fly as you get more and more work.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Given small responsibilities initially, which eventually developer into bigger responsibilities - halfway through the placement, I was given several responsibilities which not only developed my skill but also expanded my networking.

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

Interpersonal and technical training is provided, and readily available. Other certifications (such as CCNA) are available too, which can significantly boost my CV.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Open styled office meant there is always something fun happening - if you are a quiet worker, virtual offices are available for your use!

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

Certain areas can be improved but Cisco is always actively listening to feedback on how this can be done.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

As mentioned before, there is always some sort of training/development programs available for me to choose/attend

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

• Flexi Time
• Subsidised/Company Gym
• Company Parties/Events
• Working from home

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Cisco is keen on listening to fresh ideas on how to innovate the organisation, so future employment prospects is definitely on the up.

Other Information

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

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 0/10

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

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 0/10

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

There are events run on a monthly/weekly basis which you can go to

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

As mentioned before, there are various roles and responsibilities which you can take part in. You're not limited to your own role, if you fancy diversifying - Cisco will listen.

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?

If an offer comes through from Cisco, drop everything else & accept!

Review 3/4 for Cisco

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