Records and Administrative Assistant Review

I found the placement very enjoyable as I was working in a great team of people who were all very helpful and friendly. The work itself included tasks which I had never done before and offered new and engaging learning experiences. I felt satisfied and accomplished after a day's work.

I felt highly valued by my colleagues as I could see that the tasks I was doing were helping the team in their preparations for their next steps. I was given praise and positive responses as I carried out my work, and was told regularly that I was really helping them out.

I felt I was given the support I needed and always felt confident I could ask for help if I needed it. I was offered numerous training opportunities and encouraged to take them. My team leader was often busy, however there was always another supervisor I could ask for assistance or advice when I needed it.

I was almost constantly occupied, and I was given the independence to choose the pace at which I worked myself, with very few deadlines to keep to. The only issue was, was that sometimes I had to wait a few minutes for a colleague to assist me in finding new tasks to work on, which would occasionally mean I had nothing to do for a while.

I was given a good level of responsibility. I could see that the tasks I was given were important and contributed to the overall running of the department, however I did not feel that I was under too much pressure to not make mistakes or take difficult decisions, which was just right for me. I was able to manage myself, which has helped me become more independent and responsible.

This placement was one of my first jobs in an office environment, and therefore the experience I received in this environment has been invaluable in preparing me for professional life. I feel that the routine of working in an office has set up my time management skills going into my final year at university very well. I have learnt how to use numerous new computer programs which may be helpful in my life after university. I also feel that my organisational skills have excelled thanks to my placement.

The site was vast with many offices and buildings, but the building I worked in was most likely one of the largest. The room I worked in had a good atmosphere. It was fairly relaxed and open. As I was there during the summer months, often it was fairly quiet due to people taking annual leave, but there still remained a friendly atmosphere.

I had very few issues with the organisation of the placement. It took a while for me to affirm a start date, however this was due to conditions outside anyone's control and was to do with securing clearance. The tasks that I was given were well organised, and I always had things to do and to work towards.

I was given several opportunities to expand my learning, however due to the short period in which I was in the company I only participated in one or two training courses, and these were largely compulsory and based on health and safety. However, many of my colleagues were positive about the experiences they have been offered

I would definitely consider working in this organisation again. There are a vast array of departments and I have known many people who have progressed to work in many different ones throughout their time working in the organisation, which has presented them with many new skills and opportunities which is appealing to me.

I was the only student working within my team, however they were all very friendly and made my time working here memorable. I knew a few other students from my induction who were working in the wider organisation, however I did not meet them very often. I also knew that there were other students given placement positions, however I was not given the opportunity to be put in touch with them which would have perhaps been helpful.

The site was in a highly rural area, and therefore realistically the only areas to socialise were within the grounds. However I found the prices of food and drinks etc. fairly reasonable. I did not live in the area, and so I cannot comment confidently on the cost of living.

I did not live close to my placement and therefore was never able to experience the nightlife. However, my colleagues generally agree that the nearest towns do not offer the best nightlife. There are a number of pubs, bars and clubs available fairly locally, however the towns with better nightlife are a bit further afield.

I was not aware of many activities organised by the firm for the collagues, however there were a few scheduled events offered by the organisation which varied from sport and adventure days to more educational opportunities. However, I believe that there were limited places available for these activities, and long waiting lists.