Placement Year Review at Centrica

The Role

Role Description

Main duties included managing a team of 9 credit controllers, reporting to my line manager the teams results on a weekly basis. I was responsible for motivating the team and committing to completing all their administration tasks e.g. absence management, performance management, 1-2-1's.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Extremely challenging and very rewarding placement.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

The team relied on me to support them throughout the placement. My manager empowered me with a lot of responsibility.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

2 one to ones with my manager each week. Knew exactly who to turn to and knew exactly when to turn to her.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I was really busy but this made the placement zoom by and I learnt a lot each day.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

I was a manager and therefore had the responsibility of ensuring 9 people were always motivated and informed about changes to the business etc. I had to coordinate weekly team meetings.

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

I'll find out from now how valuable they were but I do feel like i've learned a lot about myself and what i'm good at. Also, it has been great to help me decide where my career should go.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

It was buzzing as most credit atmospheres can be. Lots of phones ringing, lots of customer meetings etc.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Have been on training courses as part of the graduate team. Have been set up with a 'buddy' - someone to contact when I need guidance. I have my line manager. And then also have the grad team at hand with any other issues.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

2 day project management courses, personal effectiveness courses and a week long training induction. Lot of investment in us.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

• Subsidised Canteen
• Financial Bonus
• Company Parties/Events
• Staff Sales/Staff Shop

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Really good employment prospects - career paths to follow and a team that helps you find what you're good at.

Other Information

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

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

Wasn't great in Leicester but other locations are better for the social scene. There was only 3 students in Leicester.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Pretty cheap to live here!

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

It's not bad, but I prefer London / Brighton. Leicester does have two uni's so there is a half decent scene.

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

★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 3/10

Not for me, but that was largely due to office location.

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?

Take Centrica seriously. They have plenty of opportunities and there's literally a job for everyone, or so it seems. Whatever field you're in, there's a chance. there are so many career opportunities here once your foot is in the door.

Review 33/75 for Centrica

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