Qstep intern Review

I very much enjoyed being within a workplace environment. I very quickly got into a routine and found the work challenging and interesting. By the third week I was having discussions with the team about potential roles within the team with a view to applying after I graduated. The whole experience was so worthwhile.

From the initial interview where both the interviewers made comment on the benefits of my previous experience I was made to feel like an asset to the team. I was encouraged to ask questions and my contributions were valued. When I presented my research at a video conference to senior staff I was told that my work would go forward as part of a larger project to the Cabinet Office.

I was allocated a mentor during my time on placement and as well as weekly catch up meetings she made it clear that I was able to discuss any issues or concerns with either herself or any other member of the team. It was as a direct result of the support and encouragement from this team that I was able to develop during this placement.

I was able to develop not only my quantitative data analysis skills, which was the focus of the placement, but also to see how these skills were utilised in the workplace. This helped me with my undergraduate dissertation which used a mixed methods methodology, I am currently building on these skills with postgraduate study. In addition it has aided my employability as quantitative data analysis skills are valued within the workplace.

The first day myself and another intern were shown a slide show demonstrating how the department we were placed within the broader Civil Service. We then had individual meetings where the research area in which we would be working was outlined. Targets were set and dates for weekly catch up meetings agreed. Access was arranged to the analysis software I would need. Overall it was excellent.

The atmosphere was really good. The environment was very pleasant, I was made extremely welcome. I did struggle a little with some noise levels from other teams, it was a large open plan office. On reflection I could have overcome this by wearing my headset to block noise. The facilities were excellent and I enjoyed my time there.

I was given a one week intensive data analysis course prior to commencing the placement, so training did not take place whilst on placement. In terms of personal and professional development I felt considerable time was given to ensure I gained significantly from this placement. I felt I would have been able to access training if it was required.

Prior to undertaking this placement I had never considered a career within the Civil Service, not realising that my previous work experience was of value. As a result of encouragement from the team I began to consider applying for FastStream. I did actually succeed in gaining a place in the Government Social Research Stream last year but declined it to pursue a Masters degree. I am currently at the final stage of reapplying for a role within the Department of Health and Social Care.

The insight allowed me to gain an understanding of the workplace culture within the Civil Service and to recognise how diversity is valued. Previous to this insight I had thought that my age might be a barrier to applying, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that the Civil Service actively seeks to improve diversity in recruitment.

The placement was actually a four week one, not one day. As a direct result of this placement I decided that I wished to join the department in which I had undertaken the placement. I had previous experience working for the NHS prior to commencing university but had no firm plans post graduation. It was this placement that helped me with planning for my future career goals.

I received £1200 for the four week placement, which equated to £300 per week. This was paid by the University of Leeds who organised the placement as part of the Qstep Leeds program. I felt the amount that I was paid was more than adequate. This was a valuable opportunity to gain skills, to be paid as well was excellent as I would otherwise not have been able to do the placement.

I attended weekly video conferences during the placement and was able to form relationships with other team members. I was also able to meet staff working on other teams within the open plan office. Following the placement I have been given support and career guidance from my former mentor and team leader which has been extremely helpful.

I was able to meet and form networks with other staff both in Leeds and in London, in person and via Skype and teleconferencing. This allowed me to get to know staff from a number of other disciplines such as statisticians and economists. I was aware of social events that staff could get involved with but did not attend any myself.

I was informed during my time on placement of various social opportunities that I would have been able to join in with, there was a gym onsite for employees which my mentor offered to arrange membership for me during my time there, as well as various events which took place both on and off site.

I felt so strongly about the positive benefits that i had gained as a result of undertaking this placement that I have given presentations within University of Leeds to students considering applying to the Qstep program and have also been invited to present at University of Glasgow at the Qstep Celebration Event. I have gained so much from the experience I would recommend it to anyone.