Power Academy Placement Student Review

My placement with National Grid has been really interesting. I had lots of opportunities to interact with different people from all over the business, as well as get involved with some of the more technical work that concerned my team. I learned something new every day and now have a great understanding of the business.

I felt extremely valued by my colleagues. When I had a question or didn't understand something, they would always take the time to go through it with me until it made sense. Once they learned of my strengths, they would come to me for advice on certain aspects of their work which made me feel particularly valued.

My supervisor was very supportive and ensured that my workload was ok, and I was comfortable in and felt included by the team. They also regularly asked about my living situation and non-work related wellbeing while I was living away from home on the placement which really helped me to settle in.

I was busy most of the time and my manager helped ensure that I always had work to be continuing with while I was waiting on other people/tasks, however sometimes there were long waits involved for approval on e.g. software required for my project which hindered progress slightly at times.

I was given a good amount of responsibility during my placement. The main project tasks were achievable but still stretched me, and were flexible enough to adapt to my ability. I was also given the freedom to go and speak to people in other areas of the business and find out more.

I was able to use some of the theory learned in my degree studies to understand the work my team were carrying out. This helped me to understand how it is used in a working setting and consolidate what I had learned. I also gained a better understanding of the business as a whole and it's role in the Power sector.

The atmosphere in the office was generally relaxed, friendly and welcoming. People would walk by and stop to chat because they didn't recognise you. I think this is something that wouldn't have happened in a slightly bigger office. It gave me the opportunity to get to know lots of people.

The overall placement was well organised. Having a set project to complete over the placement seems to work much better than continually asking your manager or team for new pieces of work and not always having something to do. There were plenty of opportunities for site visits to see the business in a different light.

The company were very keen to invest in the placement students, and provided an introductory training programme at the start of the placement. This included a general introduction to the business, and also a number of development courses which covered a variety of topics. This was also a great opportunity to spend time with and get to know the other placement students.

The placement scheme provides a base for applying to the graduate scheme, giving you a good understanding of the business and also contacts within various departments. I am hopeful that I will be able to join the graduate scheme and secure a placement with a team I know and like!

Although the majority of the placement students were based in other offices around the country, there was still efforts made to meet up regularly and organise events together to share our experiences. The students in the same offices spent time with each other and often caught up over lunch or after work.

Finding accommodation where we could live with other placement students was difficult. We found student accommodation which was in a good location but was quite expensive. Socialising costs were no different to other areas of England.

Didn't really investigate the nightlife in the area. I think as it was summer and there were no students it was a bit quiet.

Not many opportunities.