Placement Year Review at CSC

The Role

Role Description

Maintaining the relationship between CSC and various NHS Trusts that rely on the IT systems we supply. Working on issues, reporting, and day-to-day running of the service.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I was given a lot of responsibility early on, partly due to a good manager, and was allowed to prove myself. I was allowed to get involved with projects far beyond my ability or experience and quickly learnt to keep up.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

At no point was I seen as a Student - rather a key member of the team.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

I was often left to my own devices, but if you like being micro-managed and having your hand held CSC is not the place for you.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

I can honestly say I was not bored at any point on my placement. In fact I often had too much work on.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

I was given sole responsibility for 10+ Trusts after 3 months. I attended (external) meetings on my own, liaised with clients and set my own workload and priorities.

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

The 'soft' skills I have picked up and developed will be invaluable in any line of work.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

People generally keep themselves to themselves, and I did not have much face-to-face time with my team as we were geographically dispersed. However I never felt lonely and help was always only a phonecall or email away.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I had a very good manager who placed faith in me early on, which really helped. The recruitment team are always available to help.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Paid for training courses and material, expenses, visits to Trusts, presentations. Regular lectures and talks from external and internal people. Online training provided and encouraged.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

• Flexi Time
• Subsidised Canteen
• National Travel
• Staff Sales/Staff Shop
• Working from home

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

I have a job waiting for when I graduate.

Other Information

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

We all knew each other and got along very well.

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

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

Hampshire is generally quite expensive for rent. Further North will be cheaper.

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

★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 4/10

Guildford is good for pubs and restaurants. Aldershot is quite rough - I would not recommend going out there.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Opportunities to volunteer and get involved in charity projects

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 want a placement where you are more than just a pencil-pusher, I would recommend CSC. Generally you get out what you put in, and you have to be prepared to drive your year - it will not be given to you on a plate. Make the most of it and you will get a lot out - and perhaps even have a job waiting for you when you graduate!

Review 9/13 for CSC

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