Environment Industrial Placement Review

Really enjoyable experience working within such a successful organisation you really get a feel for every aspect of the business within your work. There were a lot of opportunities and responsibilities given to me through the role of which allowed me to develop my personal skills and overall business knowledge. I was able to work of various projects through my time, enhance and develop my presentation skills and gain further incites into the world of networking within a major organisation.

I always felt welcomed and in meetings I felt as though my opinion always matter and was valued. I was able to share ideas and view on certain areas of the business but always decisions that I thought would be more beneficial to move a project along a better path.

Every step along the way I was given guidednace and support wherever I needed it. This however is an organisation where they expect you to get a long with a chosen task and plan without the need to continually ask questions and for advice. However, you were given many opportunities in team meetings to present any ideas you had which allowed you the chance to gain a perspective make amendments and ask for advice if you needed any. It was more of a scenario where you only needed to speak to your team if you needed to, but you always had the option of asking them for advice if you wanted.

At the start you feel like you might be like a spare part, not sure on what you need to do or what way it needs to be done but once you'e settled in expect the work to come flowing. I found the busier you were depended on how proactive you were with your every day responsibilities and then the projects you had to work on that would take longer to achieve. I was a lot more proactive and would always find something to do but would be readily available to complete a task at short notice if asked to do so by a member of my team. I however enjoyed that responsibility because it always felt like there was a level of trust between me and my team. I wanted more work to do and the more I was given the more I felt as though my team trusted me and really valued my opinions.

As much as you want, I always wanted more and by the end of my placement I was given responsibility of high profile accounts, managing large investment projects across the entire organisation. That may not be for everyone but it was certainly an aspect I thoroughly enjoyed.

My computer, numerical and literacy skills and improved profoundly. You do nearly everything within the role on a computer, much as in any other office based role but it allowed me to harness what I had learnt during my first two years at university and apply those skills in a real life scenario. Studying business therefore allowed me to use and develop my skills a lot within the role.

Always very friendly, hospital and enjoyable.

I always felt I was well organised. At the beginning of my placement I worked directly under a reporting manager who would monitor my progress on a weekly basis and check in with how I was doing. Even though he was based in another office I never felt out of touch. Due to circumstances out of my control he however moved back into the operations part of the business and for a while I didn't have a direct reporting manager, but at that point I had already established a structure of my own and knew what was needed of me to best benefit my team.

All I can say is a lot! I was always asking if I could go on courses, improve my skills, if I could attend this meeting or that presentation and they always allowed me to do so if I could. I never felt like I was held back and my management team were always able to accommodate my requests when I wanted to.

Probably one of the most disappointing aspects for me. Don't get your hopes too high with a return to the business after you've finished your final year. They're strict with head counts.

Amongst my year of placements it was mixed. Everyone got along but you always had your select few people you got along with more than others. It becomes a lot more sociable in the summer, especially when the IP handover transition is in progress!

Half and half. The area around the office is poor for anything in terms of socialising but thats what you have central London for! The cost as well is as expected very very high! Don't take this role thinking you'll have a lot of money spare because you won't. It all goes on rent! Well, maybe two thirds at least.

There are a few restaurants and pubs but nothing on a university nightlife scale.

It all depends in yourself as to how sociable and proactive you are. You make the most of the opportunities you are given. I always found stuff to do and really enjoyed nights out in mainly East London. Make the most of your time and explore as much of London as you can, if yo aren't from there of course. I wouldn't trade my experience for the world but the more open you are the more fun you'll have!