Placement Review at National Grid

The Role

Role Description

The first of my responsibilities was to look into how the efficiencies of gas turbine generators changed with the output level of the generator. The only data I had access to was the half hourly electricity output for each generating unit and the hourly input of gas into the power station. Much manipulation of data was required even before the statistical analysis was carried out. I used using the statistical analysis tool, R and Microsoft Access to manipulate data into the correct format and carry out the calculations.

I was also tasked with writing a reply to the Indian System Operator to detail how the market participation of renewable energy sources differs in the UK. This involved a lot of research but was great for increasing my knowledge of the market especially with the market reform currently taking place, catalysed by DECC.

Towards the end of my placement I got involved in analysing wind turbines looking forward to the Go Green scenario in 2020. Specifically, I was looking into wind forecast errors and wind turbine shutdown. Graphs I produced for both of these scenarios have been widely used within the business and externally to explain the issues surrounding wind turbines and how we are going to cope with their intermittency moving forwards. I also produced some surface plots for various years at specific high wind speed locations to show the variation year by year.

During my placement I was also given lots of opportunity to promote STEM subjects to young minds, specifically, I was involved in an after-school Imagineering club with twelve eleven year olds. This involved a number of projects which aimed to teach the children about more complex science ideas in a fun and engaging way.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

The work was engaging and complex enough to challenge me without being impossible. My line manager and the team made me feel particularly welcome and were excellent in facilitating further learning and volunteering opportunities above and beyond expectations.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I was included in the team from the beginning but did not feel obliged to spend every moment with them.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

If I asked a question, there was always an answers, if they did not know, they would find someone who did. Often the anser preceded askign the question.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Some days I had lots of work and some less but I was never bored or over busy. If I had too much to do I told my line manager and he was happy to extend deadlines and if I had run out of work there was always little bits I could help with.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I was responsible for my own project and also for seekign out new work when I had completed others.

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

Good skills development in programming but also in working in an office sitaution - soft skills.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

There was always something happening. You jsut have to search it out yourself!

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I was very quickly settled in to my placement.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

At least a quarter of my time was spent on trainign courses which included technical training, health and safety training and behavioural modules.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

• Flexi Time
• Subsidised Canteen
• Sports and Social Club
• Subsidised/Company Gym
• Financial Bonus
• Staff Sales/Staff Shop
• Above 25 days holiday
• Working from home

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

I am currently on the graudate scheme so this placement was the first of three six month placements and then I am guaranteed a job with the company.

Other Information

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Very inclusive group of students with a lot of socail activities on training and whilst at work.

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

★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 3/10

Reading is quite expensive but a deal can be made by living in the student areas if you need to.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Live in Reading not Wokingham and night life is good.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

There was a social club that organised trips to London, sporting competitions, 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?

It's worth noting that, in any company, your placement will only be as good as you make it. So make sure you push your line manager for opportunities and seek out learning points in every sitaution.

Review 54/103 for National Grid

Next