Placement Year Review at NATS

The Role

Role Description

My placement was in the Operational Analysis Department within NATS. The main areas in which the department undertakes analyses are strategic analysis, safety, airspace capacity, runway capacity and environment. To work in OA you must be studying a suitable numerate or analytical degree. The work can consist of analytical report writing, programming and using various computer tools such as excel. There are lots of opportunities to give presentations, and work with members of other departments, or external customers.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

The work within OA is interesting and varied.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Everyone within OA is very friendly. You are treated as an equal and invited to all the department social events.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I felt like I can ask my collegues for help whenever neccesary.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

There is always plenty of varied work to do.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I am given the responsibility to talk to customers and deliver projects to external contractors.

6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

I am a physics student and this placement was not predominantly Physics based. However I don't want a job in Physics after university so it was suitable for me.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

The atmosphere is very friendly. It is a professional environment however there is always an oppertunity to interact with a varity of people.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

The placement is very well organised. There is an induction day before you start work to get to know your collegues. Once you start your placement you get to know the department very well and it is very easy to understand your role.

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

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

There are a few training programmes that the compnay send you on such as ATC familiarisation. There are also oppertunities to take trips to airports to see how your work is valued in other parts of the business.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

• Flexi Time
• Subsidised Canteen
• Sports and Social Club
• Subsidised/Company Gym
• Company Parties/Events
• Above 25 days holiday

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

Although there is not a DEG scheme within OA at the moment, there is a possiblility the scheme will be retunring soon. I would also consider working in other parts of the business as NATS is a good company to work for.

Other Information

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

The engineering DEGs organise welcome events for the engineering IPs and OA IPs. You're made to feel welcome and make lots of new fridns very quickly.

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

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

Southampton is relatively cheap for a southern city. There is a student culture with lots of cheap bars and clubs.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

Southampton lacks the nightlife of a large city such as Birmingham or Sheffield, but has a good social scene with plenty of clubs and bars.

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

★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 4/10

NATS has a sports and social club which is very well attended. However there are very few other activities that aren't sports based.

Review 8/10 for NATS

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