Process Engineer Review

The placement provided me with a range of experiences, skills and opportunities to apply knowledge from my degree to real-world scenarios.

All colleagues I interacted with treated me with respect and as an equal, going above and beyond to help me when it was needed and ensure that I had everything I needed to deliver my goals.

My manager regularly booked in time for 1:1 discussions, provided coaching whenever I asked for it and made sure I stayed on track throughout my placement.

Work was given to me as fast / often as I could handle it, ensuring I was always busy and work never became dull. The work was varied and important.

I was frequently asked to provide work that was critical for product release, business performance and plant performance. I was allowed to self-govern my projects in a way that I wanted and was generally left to drive my own work unless I needed help or direction.

The skills I developed and knowledge I formed was based around that which I had learned throughout my degree, building on it and expanding it through real-world applications and detailed projects. I have only just finished my placement so I cannot comment on how it will help in the future.

Everyone in my office was always friendly and positive. There was always fun workplace banter, joking and the spirits remained high throughout the year. On the occasions where mood may have been lower, various team building events and other events outside of work were organised to help build morale. very good.

My project for the year was fairly vague and open ended. This for me was great as it allowed me to find / form a project that I found interesting and important - however I could see why some others may struggle with this. Generally very positive though, I'm sure any further help would be given.

I was provided with a variety of soft-skill training sessions, technical training and assorted other training. This was given to me regularly, and whenever I asked for specific training or development it was always provided, as long as I explained why it would benefit my development or specific work I was doing.

Very appealing. I will be applying for the graduate programs they offer as I feel that these could benefit my future career in a positive manner. The prospects are full and varied, with lots of potential to move in many directions within the company, to match what I see fit for myself.

As there were 8 placement students on site, along with a large number of apprentices of a similar age, there was a good social scene. This included a number of activities (clubbing, bowling, cinema, sports, etc.) and made for a very healthy work life balance throughout the duration of the year.

As I was based just outside of London the cost of rent, drinks, travel etc. was fairly high. However, I feel my salary reflected this well and so overall the high cost was not felt too much. There were many options through student finance and university to help deal with this.

In the town I worked the nightlife was fairly poor, however good transport links into London and surrounding towns / cities meant that although slightly less convenient the nightlife was good. There were many pubs and a few clubs in my area, all of which were varied and nice and stuff.

There were as many out of work activates as I wanted to get involved with. These were a range of different things and spread across most of the week and at a variety of different times, meaning that there was always something to do, despite the day or time. Very good.