Placement Year Review at National Grid

The Role

Role Description

Employed on two different placements throughout the year;

The first, for 10 months, was in Customer Services, Gas Distribution. It involved performance analysis and process improvement as well as leading an environmental awareness campaign for the department.

The second, for 2 months, was in Network Operations, Transmission. It involved analysing energy markets and providing intelligence to assist in trading strategy for own use gas and electricity.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Everyone that I approached, throughout the company, was willing to help and spend time explaining their department and role.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I was given as much as I looked for or wanted, where it was appropriate or safe to do so.

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

My pratical business skills such as communication and presentation skills have been developed in a 'real-world' commercial environment which would have been virtually impossible in an academic environment.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

The company were willing to support, financially and timely, any development opportunity that I suggested. This was even more the case than I imagined on joining National Grid.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

• Flexi Time
• Subsidised/Company Gym
• Company Parties/Events
• Working from home

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

If you perform well and show that you can develop, you may be accepted on to National Grid's Sponsored Student Programme. This includes financial assistance with the rest of your education and the invitation to an assessment centre for the Graduate Programme (you don't have to apply).

Other Information

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

In Hinckley, where my first placement was based, the nightlife was poor. However in the Warwick area (particularly Leamington, the nightlife is good.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

Review 103/103 for National Grid

Previous