Placement Review at Network Rail

The Role

Role Description

Anaylsis and data gathering of requirements, web development, Information Architecture co-ordinator, Change Agent specialist

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I've was given more responsiblity as my time progressed through Network Rail allowing to take my current skills from univeristy and use them in a business envirnoment and gain valuable new skills

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

I was treated like a real member of staff, the people where friendly welcoming and where happy to help no matter what the question. My colleagues are very socailable!

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Management always gave the support I needed not in jsut my work placement but at the same time with my university. Network Rail saw what my skills set was and we designed the role around me allowing to change my job title every month if I was happy to do so

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

There is always work to been done and the workload is equally divided between personal and work life. The activites are never to complex and most days I can leave the office at 5.30 which is what I'm contracted to do

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

I was given more responsibility than most placement students could ever get. I was given the oppurtunity to design and build the backbone for the Corporate Intranet which is a hugde responsibility

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Not only does Network Rail allow you to develop your current skill set and progress them further and use then to the best of your ability but they also allow to to gain vital improtant skill sets which most placement programmes or university could ever teach you.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

There are somedays where the office could be really bouncy and fun but however this is a working environment show work needs to be done. saying that 4 days out of 5 the Fun will never stop.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

The fault more lies on the my univeristy Network Rail have always been sticking to their schedule which is perfect but some of teh areas couldn't be covered due to lack of participation with my university

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Network Rail saw me as a vital memeber of the team and no matter what they invest everything they have into my development.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

• Flexi Time
• Subsidised Canteen
• Sports and Social Club
• Subsidised/Company Gym
• National Travel
• International Travel
• Financial Bonus
• Company Parties/Events
• Staff Sales/Staff Shop
• Above 25 days holiday
• Working from home
• Healthcare/Dental
• Travel loan

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Depending on my progress over the next couple of months I could get a conditional offer onto the graduate programme

Other Information

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

I think because all the other placement students are in the same position we all bonded very well. plus we had loads of socials to get to know each other

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

I work and live in London so it isn't very cheap because it's London however there are some pubs that are cheap but you need a knowledge of London to find them (but work can help out)

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

It's London, don't think I need to explain more than that

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

There are a few opportunities which are availble however it depends on project deadlines and project timelines

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?

Always approach a placement with an open mind. Always be willing to learn new things everday but with Network Rail there is always support and you never feel like your alone.

Review 2/11 for Network Rail

Previous Next