BPP Food Technologist Review

by Marks & Spencer

This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.

Rating

4.4/5
  • The Role
    4.8
  • The Company
    4.5
  • The Culture
    3.6

    The Role

  • 1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?
  • I had the best year I could have wished for, getting the opportunity to see so many different things and really apply everything I had learnt at university into practise. No day was ever the same and it went far too quickly.

    5/5

  • 2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?
  • I worked within the Technical function but had to ensure I was working closely with my colleges from other business areas to ensure they were up to speed with the project I was working on. When it came to reporting the outcome of my project, the presentation I gave was very well attended by my colleagues and they really wanted to hear about everything I had been doing for the 12 months.

    5/5

  • 3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?
  • I had a line manager who got in touch before starting and arranged to visit for the day prior to starting. We had weekly meetings to go through my week and gradually gained more autonomy throughout the year, but support was always on hand should I need it. The senior managers were also very approachable and had regular catch ups with them also.

    5/5

  • 4. How busy were you on a daily basis?
  • Very! This is a very demanding placement with sometimes long hours and a lot of travelling but it is worth it. I was also encouraged to spend time with colleagues outside of my department to gain as much experience of other industries & processing techniques.

    5/5

  • 5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?
  • I essentially managed a business critical project and was required to make recommendations from research and trials conducted.

    5/5

  • 6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
  • I am now much more organised than I was before, and this is already helping me to remain on top of coursework now I am back at uni, and final year is feeling pretty straight forward.

    5/5

    The Company

  • 7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?
  • Open plan and relaxed, I was expecting more 'corporate' feel but it was great.

    4/5

  • 8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?
  • Really structure, I had clear goals to achieve throughout the year and gave evidence at the end of the year against each requirement. The transition from M&S Head Office to my supplier placement was also great and I settled in really quickly.

    5/5

  • 9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
  • I was able to take part in several training programmes when at M&S Head Office but less when I was moved to Supplier placement.

    4/5

  • 10. What were the perks on your work placement?
  • Subsidised Canteen

    National Travel

    Company Parties/Events

    Staff Sales/Staff Shop

    5/5

  • 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?
  • I'm thrilled that I have been offered a place on the Technology Graduate Scheme and I cannot wait to get back. Having experience in both a factory and an office environment really helped me to make up my mind about where to progress my career after graduating.

    5/5

    The Culture

  • 12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?
  • There were only 4 placement students within food, but we were able to meet up with the current grads on a regular basis and make the most of what London has to offer. There were also christmas parties and balls throughout the year which were great.

    5/5

  • 13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?
  • London is very very very expensive, but you are paid more than most other placement programmes so this should make up for it. I was able to save up some money in the second six months but not a penny when I was in London so be prepared for that.

    3/5

  • 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?
  • What can I say? London is great! Lots of places to eat and drink in Paddington and close to the tube to explore other places across the city.

    5/5

  • 15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?
  • Permanent staff are encouraged to use 1 day a year for a charity of your choice, but I didn't really do anything like this. There isn't a gym or anything like that like some of my friends had on their placements, but this didn't really bother me.

    3/5

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Details

Placement (10 Months+)

London

November 2015


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