This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.
Rating
-
The Role
-
The Company
-
The Culture
- 1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?
- 2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?
- 3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?
- 4. How busy were you on a daily basis?
- 5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?
- 6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
- 7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?
- 8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?
- 9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
- 10. What were the perks on your work placement?
- 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?
- 12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?
- 13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?
- 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?
- 15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?
The Role
The placement at JDE gave me so much experience, not only in the field I applied for, but wider cross category opportunities. The atmosphere and way of working was enjoyable and everyone at the company was very sociable. There were also plenty of other students and young people about so there was always something going on, inside and outside of work.
At JDE, they treat you as a normal employee, despite the fact you are an intern, which I really valued. I felt like part of the team and actually played a vital role, therefore, was given a lot of responsibility, which I enjoyed.
There was always support and guidance available when needed. I had weekly meetings with my manager to update her on my progress and ask for help. We were also given a mentor within the company, which we could go to whenever we needed help in doing something, it didn't have to be work related, e.g. help with setting up a meeting request. We also had support from people higher up in the company, which was always helpful.
The work was very varied, which I enjoyed. Everyday we did something different, which is why I learnt so much. Sometimes I was travelling with the company around Europe and other times within the R&D site in Banbury. Your industrial project takes up most of your time, but there are opportunities to get involved with lots of other work and within other teams.
I was given a lot of responsibility during my placement, but in a good way. It wasn't too much that I couldn't handle, but it was enough so that they pushed me to develop throughout my year and I'm really grateful for this. After completing the placement, I feel much more confident and have developed my team work, project management and organisational skills.
I really improved my time management and organisational skills, which will help me complete my final year at university. I am also now used to working full days in the week, which will help me stay motivated for my final year project. My presentation skills have also dramatically improved, which has helped with confidence and also future presentations I will have to complete in my final year.
The Company
The general atmosphere was always fun and sociable. Our offices were open plan, which makes it a much better atmosphere to work in. You can always approach someone if need be and your team are always sat close by, which makes it easier to get certain tasks done.
The internship was set up well. There was a structure to the year and in the middle and end of the placement, we had mid and end of year reviews. At the end of our placement year, we were assessed via a final presentation to senior stakeholders.
You develop your skills and personality a huge amount whilst being on placement. However, the main development programmes are aimed at full time employees.
Sports and Social Club
International Travel
Staff Sales/Staff Shop
Future employment opportunities are possible within the company. The placement, is essentially a year long interview. If you perform well and have a good attitude, then there is a high possibility they could offer you a job for after your degree.
The Culture
The company hire around 20 students per year, spread across the site, so therefore, there is a lot of opportunity to make friends with fellow interns. The employees at JDE, are also very sociable and there is always a good social scene.
The living costs were not bad, considering the area is close to Oxford. I found a nice house for really good rent per month.
Plenty of bars around the town, however only 1 club. But always nice to go for drinks of a weekend or one night after work and Oxford is only 20 minutes on the train. Leamington Spa is also 20 minutes away.
Plenty of opportunities to get involved with outside of work. Nearly every night there is another sporting activity/ social activity to get involved with. There are also external sports teams in Banbury that you can join.
Details
Placement (10 Months+)
South West
September 2016