Industrial Businesses Development Placement Review

I enjoyed my time at L3 very much. My colleagues were very friendly and supportive, with a strong work ethic and dedication to the company’s goals. What made it even better, is that my personal and professional development was heavily in the minds of my mentor and manager, which allowed me to focus on mutually beneficial tasks which I enjoyed.

For the first week or two I was mainly learning the ropes and processes that occur within the business. After this I was given lots of responsibility, within a variety of different tasks. This made me feel very valued and appreciated, as I felt I was being trusted with important jobs after such a short period of time. This responsibility progressed throughout my placement, giving me more and more confidence as time went on.

Upon arrival, I was assigned a mentor. We had regular meetings to discuss my progress and anything I wanted to talk about or needed help with. We also had regular meetings with my manager, to discuss potential projects or work that I could get involved in, which would be beneficial to me. They ensured that the tasks I was doing, would be ones which I would learn from.

I was eased in from the start, with smaller tasks for me to complete in order to learn about the companies processes and systems. It picked up swiftly, and I had a pleasant workload throughout the remainder of my time at L3. I think the relationship I had with those around me, really helped me maintain a manageable workload. If I ever got too busy or if I wanted more work then I would let my mentor or manager know and they would give/take more work.

From early on I was given a good level of responsibility.

Moving from University this work environment, I realised just how much of the knowledge I could utilise in my day to day life at L3. As a result of my placement, I feel that I am much more prepared for working life, but also it has helped me gain a level of motivation for my studies.

The atmosphere was very positive, with rooms specifically dedicated to informing the employees of goals and departmental goals. There was a lot of contact with the executives and regular all staff updates from the CEO/President of our sector as well as one from the corporate CEO. This brought a pleasant amount of personality to the company.

This year was the first where L3 took placements in non-engineering parts of the business; myself and a marketing placement. Regardless of this, my placement was very well organised with clear goal setting after a 3 month settling in period. This was then monitored throughout the duration of my placement. Furthermore, I got a chance to take place at career fairs to promote and company, as well as other off site activities.

There is a whole scheme dedicated to the development of employees, called the Professional Development Scheme. This scheme clearly defines the steps that will be taken to ensure the most effectively development for the individual. It is used in all parts of the business, as a way to grow professionally. There were also additional training into areas such as Business Transformation.

The company offer a brilliant graduate scheme, which sounds very much like something I'd like to get involved in.

Initially there was limited contact between [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyPlacement Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions] and I and the engineering placement students, however after talking this through with L3 we managed to spend a lot more time with them such as lunchtime excursions and various meetings. This was good, as it allowed us to connect with people who are in the same position as us.

Luckily, L3 is based not too far from my parents house; so I lived there and commuted. Socialising is a fairly standard price range, with the normal bar/restaurant chains as well as independent pubs and bars. Also, large shopping centre in the town.

Nightlife was good, lots of bars of all standards and pricing, and a couple of clubs. But even better was how close it is to Brighton/London. Brighton is around a 25 minute train from Three Bridges station, and London Victoria is around 40 minutes from Crawley/Three Bridges. Three Bridges is a part of Crawley and is minutes on the train.

There were a few staff do's, including an all staff bowling night, Christmas party and more.