Summer Placement Student Review

The experience I had while on placement surpassed all of my previous expectations. I was given real life work which contributed to a project one of the teams was completing for a client. I was made to feel like part of the team immediately. I am at the half-way point of my placement and hope to enjoy my remaining weeks as much as I have so far.

I was immediately made to feel like part of the team and became involved in a number of projects. Senior members of the team also took time to explain the work they do, even if they weren't able to involve me directly in the project, I was made aware of what other individuals in the office were doing. Everyone made me welcome, especially with being invited to out-of-work activities.

I have been given excellent support by management/my supervisors. During my first day I had an hour sit down session with my line manager where I was issues a welcome pack detailing all aspects of the work environment, the location of the office and the general day-to-day activities which take place. When my line manager is out of office, they always ensure I have a point of contact within the office.

Initially, the majority of my time was taken up with basic induction tasks. There was not much work directly relating to my placement. However, as the weeks progressed I have become involved in a number of projects and am kept consistently busy. However, I am working at my own pace as the projects I am working on have very long deadlines. Additionally, I have been given a placement research project to work on if there is no work available.

During my placement I have been given sufficient responsibility. One of my main tasks has been to prepare tables and graphs which will appear in reports which are then sent to clients. I have also been given various tasks of checking others work before it is submitted. I have also been trusted with client sensitive information and access to clients private files.

The research project I took part in throughout my placement greatly helped my during my studies within my degree after the completion of my placement. My placement has also allowed me to network and meet other placement students who are currently studying the same subjects as me. I have also met others who have finished their degree, the information they have given me has greatly prepared me for the next year within my degree program. The confidence gained through talking to other professionals will also assist with my studies.

My placement took part during the main section of school holidays, as a result some days the office appeared to be quite empty. However, there were still plenty of colleagues around to help and I never felt isolated. The office was open plan which allowed for more interaction. The employees were also integrated and therefore more senior colleagues were easier to approach.

Overall, my placement was very well organised. At the beginning of my placement I had a sit down with my line manager where I expressed the type of work I wished to engage in during my placement. My line manager then did everything possible to meet my wishes. We would have a catch-up on a Friday where I would be told of the work planned for me during the following week. Due to the nature of the job sometimes people were either too busy to supply work, or didn't have work on. However, due to the project I was given, there was never a point where I had nothing to do.

During my placement I gained a certificate for 2 CPD points as a result of a site visit to Schneider Electric organised by graduates within the company. This included an overnight stay. During my placement I also attended a two day conference which allowed me to network with other placement students. The conference included two overnight stays. I was also given a variety of presentations throughout my time to educate me on the different work that the company does within its separate areas.

Through the placement scheme there is a strong chance of receiving future employment with the company. The company is keen to hire those who have spent several summers working in their offices getting to know the different sectors within the business. While the company does not force you into employment with them, there is a change of being fast tracked onto their graduate scheme after graduating if you wish.

During my placement there were 5 other placement students who were doing the same type of placement during mine. We were all scattered throughout the UK but frequently kept in contact via Skype, email and snapchat. This was the first time I had met any of them and everyone was eager to know what work everyone was up to. We were all given a collective project to work on which allowed us to keep in touch on a weekly basis. All of the placement students went on both the site visit and to the conference which gave us all a chance to get to know each other. The colleagues within my office also organised a number of social events during my placement such as a dinner for colleagues who were returning from secondment and a surprise hen do for one of the girls in the office.

My placement was relatively close to my home and therefore I travelled on a daily basis as there was no need for accommodation. The area of the office is very central to the city and is only a quick 10 minute walk from the nearest train station and 5 minutes from the bus stop. All shops, bars, gyms, etc. are located in the centre which is only 15 minutes away. The office is also relatively near student halls, so cheap accommodation would be available if needed.

I didn't get the change to experience the nightlife in my area as I travelled in and out of the city. However, there are a variety of bars and nightclubs in close proximity to the office. The flexible time element of the placement allows you to maintain a social life throughout the placement.

There are a number of volunteering activities advertised within the office to get involved with outside of work. There were made clear to all employees and summer students through the companies intranet. Most of these were long time and therefore I was unable to get involved due to the time limit of my placement. There were a number of graduate socials available, however these all took place after my placement finish date.