UFLP Summer Student Review

The work placement gave me an insight into the workings of a global company that I would not have had before. The work itself was stimulating and catered to my skill set, and I felt like I was contributing.

I would say that other than with my line manager and a few others, it was difficult to connect with the other people in the office, simply because I had no need to speak to them and vice versa. Having said that however, there were several people who made me feel welcome, and the people on the project I worked with made it clear my work was valued.

If I had any problems it was very easy to speak to my line manager, and he was very supportive.

I was extremely busy on the first week, but the workload lessened as the weeks went on. Towards the final week I had very little work.

The work I was given was to be completed on my own, and therefore it would be my fault if the work was not up to standard as no-one else will work on it upon submission.

The skills I developed related mostly to communicating within a global company. It's unlikely it will help me in my degree but it will make me stand out for other job applications.

My particular office contained 30+ workers, so it was never quiet. Cakes were readily available.

My placement was well organized, and I was contacted by phone before the placement began so that my line manager could discuss with me about the kind of work I would be suited for. My first week was completely organized, but from then on the work plan was loose as it depended upon how the first task went and how I could fit in with the current project.

My line manager allowed me to sit in on every meeting related to the project which meant I learnt quite a few things about the company and how things work. The company did not exactly train me for anything but I was only there for ten weeks.

Upon completion of the placement, I am being considered for the graduate scheme. I find out later this year if I will be fast tracked to the Assessment Centre event for it.

It was mainly self organized, save one social organized by a member of the grad scheme.

I stayed in a student house which saved a lot of money but it was a bit far from everything. Taxis were not too expensive, and everything was generally averagely priced. With time I eventually found out which places cost more than others.

I really liked the places in Liverpool city centre, and it was a shame I didn't go out more often!

There were a few company sports clubs (karate, badminton etc.) but for a 10 week placement there wasn't much point in joining.