HR Assistant Review

I loved working in the HR team at Randstad, and the experience I had has really set me up for the future. I started my placement with very little knowledge of HR and the team took the time to really help me learn. If there was anything I wanted to do my manager would try her best to arrange and I really felt like an employee not a placement student.

One of the best things about working for Randstad is the people. I did not expect to have such an amazing team who were willing to help me and answer any questions now matter how silly it seemed. I loved my team and I think they contributed a lot towards my placement experience.

I think I have been very lucky with my manager. One of the best things about her is that she will not stand over 24/7, however she was always there whenever I needed her. She takes the time to make everyone feel valued and supported.

Each day was different and the tasks and people I interacted where so no one day was the same. Some days were quieter than others, however there was always something I could be working on and my team would always let me get involved with what they were working on.

I was really surprised at the amount of responsibility I was given (from day 1). I could always see how my work contributed to the team, and as my confidence has grown I have been given even more responsibility.

Within my first two weeks I felt that I learnt so much more than I ever expected I would from my placement year. I learnt skills beyond my HR Assistant role, and developed so many skills that I did not anticipate to. I always knew that I wanted to complete a placement year, before starting university, however I did not appreciate how valuable it would have been. I think this is mostly due to the support that my manager and team gave me.

We always had fun however we knew to work hard and when to get our heads down and work. I would say we had the perfect balance of work and fun. Everyone was really friendly and I felt like I could approach anyone.

I would say it was organised very well - I would have 1:1 meetings with my manager to plan the months ahead and have a plan of action.

The company allowed me to go on different courses around the UK and visit the offices in London. They would work hard to provide me with opportunities and training to enrich my HR knowledge. I found this really generous of Randstad

I believe that if I do commit to HR, Randstad would be the perfect place for me to return when I have graduated.

In my office there was only one other placement student. I think this was good though because it meant that we were forced to integrate with our teams more, rather than an intern and colleague divide that I have heard of in other companies. My team would always try and organise out of work activities too.

For me I did not have the chance to save any money from placement due to the price of commuting and rent etc. However, the year out of university was for my personal development, not to make money.