Placement Year Review at TNS (Taylor Nelson Sofres)

The Role

Role Description

Handling monthly report for the team. Checking data and updating presentations.

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

★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 2/10

As the year progressed I continued to find the role quite demanding technically. You need to be persistant and have a general interest in market research. There is opportunity to develop yourself but you need to use your own initiative. The reason I struggled on my placement at TNS is because I found the role very tedious, monotonous and technical.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

Was a valuable member of the team was responsible of reports that were sent to clients.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

My manager was very helpful but as everyone is always busy it was difficult to develop in the role.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Very busy most of the times.
Also schdule differs as reporting periods are every 2 weeks of the beginning of the month. You must be able to handle time and deadlines effectively this is something crucial to the job.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

You are responsible for running the reports (they are like excel reports run from macros) the data must be correct you must have a good eye for detail. Responsible for taking, answering client queries when management is out of office.

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

ICT skills have developed and also time management skills.
A development day is provided for some placement students, this allows you to practice presenting and take 2 data tests. Initial training on the systems and TNS common terminology.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

Atmosphere is busy. Open floor plan allows for conversation, nice atmosphere.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

Generic training all placement students receive.
However your immediate team is responsible for developing you too. This is where some managers take initiative and others do not - i.e team numbers may be small so they do not have time. Personal development is down to you at the end of the day. TNS is a good place to work to gain skills you can use later in life, be proactive and grab opportunties as they will be provided.

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 5/10

Not for me. But there is a graduate scheme.

Other Information

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Social scene is great. Large placement network.

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

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

Lived at home so saved on costs.
Socialising in london is expensive, the tube takes you into London.
In Ealing there are few pubs and small restaurants. Not too much to do.

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

★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 2/10

You need to travel into London

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

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

Social events are organised. Christmas party etc.
However, internal activities depend according to team. Opportuntiy to meet cleint, but depends on your manager.

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?

Be proactive, make the most of your year and learn as much as you can.
Be sure this is the right job for you. Do your research and you will be fine.

Review 9/9 for TNS (Taylor Nelson Sofres)

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