Placement Year Review at Fujitsu

The Role

Role Description

Working in the internal IT department, I was part of the team responsible for creating and maintaining builds to be used on machines throughout the company - essentially defining the corporate standard.

As part of this role, I was involved heavily in testing software to be used on our machines. There are also chances to work with servers, asset management and converse with people at all levels of the business.

Quite often the team were called upon to troubleshoot errors users were having with our builds and offer support to others in the department.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

It was great to experience something different from university and Fujitsu offers a great placement scheme which lets you meet other interns and grads.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Everyone was extremely friendly and you feel part of the team straight away. There are also chances to meet others in your position and help them out if you have the skills.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

You can ask your supervisor anything really and they'll try to point you into the right direction. I know some managers are stricter or busier but there is always someone to talk to.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

This varied greatly but I think that adds to the experience. It also lets you see how plans may change especially with the economic climate.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I worked on a project which would potentially affect employees across Europe and was trusted with tasks that had meaning early on.

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

I think the technical skills I picked up are things which cannot be taught.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Everyone gets along and it's quite relaxed. We had a weekly get together on our floor during our break which was really good.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

There were no major problems and the Grad Team has made the scheme more structured this year as well so very few problems I would expect.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

You do an activity day to leaen about the company and pick up skills and there's a chance to do other training if you ask your manager...as long as the budget allows it!

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

• Flexi Time
• Sports and Social Club
• Company Parties/Events
• Working from home

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Pretty good. They have invited interns back and always invest in grads.

Other Information

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

We were given each others contact details before the placement so we could get in touch. The first month it was down to us but they did organise events later on and a team project with the interns.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

Some things were cheaper than I thought but housing was more expensive as I lived nearer London.

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

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

Bracknell is pretty shocking but there is a bowling alley, cinema and a few restraunts. Most people live in Reading where there's a bit more. I lived near Ascot which had an ok club.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I looked into this myself joining a gym and a drama society. Ask around though.

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 you are unsure whether to do a placement then just do one anyway! It sets you up for after uni and is a nice break before the final year. And on your placement don't be afraid to ask questions!

Review 6/19 for Fujitsu

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