Placement Year Review at Cardiff University

Overall Rated 6.3

The Role

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Very interesting and not too stressful.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Very valued. Have been asked to stay on and help out with extra funding.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Supervisor and other colleagues very supportive and ensured that I had things to do and understood all the research carried out. Everyone made sure they had time for me.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

Some days less busy, but from the start I was told if I didn't have anything to do it was fine to leave early. As mostly running experiments sometimes this would leave time for reading and planning placement report, dissertation etc.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Gradually more. Allowed to carry out own research very quickly and given final year UG students to supervise in research I had already carried out as well as planning the experiments themselves.

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

Will help massively with final year, particularly neuroscience module. I find it much easier to learn through applied science like this than just through lectures. Also planning to apply for a PhD where the skills I have learned will be a huge advantage, as well as if I work in a similar lab in the future.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

In a group of postgraduates who I don't know well but happy to get on with my own work and most of my time spent in the lab where everyone was friendly and welcoming so not a problem.

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

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

Not very organised as never had a placement student in this area before but was settled very quickly and I was happy with the more relaxed atmosphere.

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

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

Supervisor very encouraging and motivating. I now feel capable and determined to complete a PhD in the future with the advantage of the skills I have been taught here.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 0/10

• National Travel
• Above 25 days holiday
• Working from home

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Have been told I will be written a reference for a neuroscience PhD programme at the university if I apply when I graduate.

Other Information

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

★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 3/10

I was the only placement student although spent a lot of time working with PhD students of roughly my own age, as well as making good friends with my housemates in Cardiff.

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

★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 3/10

Unpaid placement makes it difficult although costs and rent in Cardiff are a lot cheaper than Guildford where my own University is.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I think Cardiff is a great city with a lot going on and well worth a night out.

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

★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 4/10

Not too much going on as not part of the postgraduate group although often invited to join people at the pub etc.

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?

An unpaid placement and frustrating because of this and knowing that other people were working for large companies and being paid well and the fact that fees still need to be paid to the University. However would choose the same placement again given a choice. I think it's more important to do a placement like this which will be far more applicable and useful to my course than working for large company in an office which I feel I could do at any stage in my life. As I am lucky enough to be able to afford to do this placement I know I made the right choice.