Placement Review at Smoke Tree Ranch

The Role

Role Description

Intern within the food & beverage department. Working as a server in the dining room on the ranch, serving guests and colonists.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

The work itself was not enjoyable, day to day it was quite similar with limited opportunities to do work relevant to our university courses. However looking past the job to the experience in America, it was one of the best times of my life.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

As interns also socialise and live together there is a family atmosphere built up and several of the managers very much try to look after you. In some instances it felt like the interns weren't valued by other people within the company - expected to work very long hours and standard of food given to staff not very high.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Again, some of the management were excellent in the levels of support and guidance given, nothing was too much and they were always there when needed. However some of the more senior managers were quite distant and not approachable.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 3/10

The number of interns hired were fewer than previous years and this was evident during busy times at the ranch, I feel it was evident that more staff was needed, as working hours were longer than reasonable. However there were also a few instances when there were too many people working a shift and it became difficult to find work to do.

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

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

At the beginning responsibility was very limited. However towards the end this was increased, if only due to asking.

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

★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 4/10

Some skills learnt are those that can be applied to any job, however the skills are far more general rather than specific for the degree course.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

In general the atmosphere in the office was fun, this obviously depends on the group you are working with and how well you bond as well as how busy you are.

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

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

In some instances it was quite organised, it has been running as a placement for quite a few years. However there were also elements which could have been better planned, perhaps more by the university than Smoke Tree themselves.

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

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

Due to the nature of the business, only being open 6 months of the year and regularly having new staff each year there was understandably a limited amount of personal training and development.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

• Subsidised Canteen
• Subsidised/Company Gym
• International Travel
• Financial Bonus
• Company Parties/Events

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

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

If I was to go back to Smoke Tree it would most definitely be in a different department, however this is unlikely due to it being abroad.

Other Information

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

As you live with fellow students and colleagues you do socialise a lot together. Whilst places to go in Palm Springs are limited, as you are in America there are many other opportunities open to you and it is what you make of it

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

You live on the ranch and it is included as part of your placement, as well as 2 meals per day. In general going out is quite cheap in America.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

There are a few clubs and bars in Palm Springs, but not an amazing range - more like what you would expect from a small town in England. Also remember you need to be 21 to drink and go to many clubs in America.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Whilst you live on the ranch you can go out when you like, however this can sometimes be limited by the working hours. When the ranch is quiet they also sometimes organise trips to the cinema or bowling for everyone also.

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?

Whilst the work wasn't great, the opportunity to live in America should not be missed.

Review 2/2 for Smoke Tree Ranch

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