Placement Review at Zurich UK Life

The Role

Role Description

I worked within the Planning and Performance Management section of Finance. My daily job was to create and manage the modelling of resources (personnel) involving constant interaction with heads of the main distribution departments (senior managers) of the company. I was primarily working with the Operations department and became involved with forecasting the work that would arrive in the business for 2011.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I enjoyed the placement tremendously, finding it very well planned and was tailored to my skills and preference to work with the Operations department.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

My colleagues were always there to help out if they had extra expertise, and treated me like a member of the team as well as being good fun! They took my ideas on board and were willing to support my views despite my relative inexperience in the sector.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

The management were extremely useful and were genuinely interested in my progression and in putting me forward for opportunities, over and above what was expected. They were always available to advise and steer if needed, but were happy to give me autonomy in the role and review at times.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Quite busy all the time - this was down to choice in taking on other pieces of work and getting involved in ad hoc projects. This is on top of the nature of the role in that the models were only created a year ago, so are in constant flux. You can tailor your workload (accept/ find projects or decline) according to preference, but will be expected to work reasonably hard.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I was given a lot of autonomy and responsibility – the work I was involved in affected hiring decisions and this in turn affected the performance of the area. I had two managers that checked over the work I sent out, but normally this was just a brief check-up to add to the work.

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

I had the opportunity to attend a range of courses – these involved learning how to facilitate meetings, how to present yourself as well as some Accounting and Insurance events on how the industries/professions are moving forward. Other career events and training (as well as a mentor) helped not only with the job but with my personal development, without any direct recompense to the company. These all helped with future studies as well as giving a general knowledge base of the industry.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

The atmosphere was a working but relaxed one – everyone was busy and efficient most of the time, but occasionally would break to chat about unrelated topics. Meetings also broke up the day, having a more relaxed feel.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

The organisation of the internship was exemplary, there was an expectation of us (there were 6 of us) that was communicated, and we were consulted on what we would like to do and what opportunities we would like. A very open but professional set up, which was a contributing factor to my application and didn’t disappoint.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

They invested a lot of time and effort, from courses and events to my managers always being on hand and willing to help at any time despite busy schedules. This is alongside advice and training from around the business and monthly development meetings. A lot more than I had expected, and it helped make me feel like on of the team and that they valued my input

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

• Subsidised Canteen
• Company Parties/Events

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

The company is expanding and has high aspirations, so will always have places available if you can show you are value and committed. Its culture and the amount of effort it invests in you personally shows that it is dedicated.

Other Information

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

There were six interns and a contingent of graduates in the company as well as quiz nights, team meals and general socialising. However, this was mainly within work hours, with a few events outside

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Cost wise, was quite cheap housing, especially for the South West. Socialising was normal for any medium sized town.

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

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

Average nightlife – mainly aimed at college students as there is no University here. However the nightlife with the company was very good, although not frequent.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Yes - Zurich Cares (where you can help the community), such as the Alzheimer’s Society, as well as quiz nights, fundraising and Christmas Parties and meals.

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?

Extremely sorted company - be prepared to work hard, but you will get out what you put in and have a great time!

Review 2/2 for Zurich UK Life

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