L&D Assistant Review

It is so different to uni, or any style of education for that matter, I found it is a struggle to settle into. I would say being apart of this company was very enjoyable, they have great benefits and great working environment (everyone is super friendly). In regards to enjoying the role, my advice would be to do lots of research to find out if it suits you. No, I don't just mean the job description, but google 'A day in the life of...' and see if that really suits you.

My team were great at supporting me and making sure I settled in. When I raised an issue, others would pick it up and really do their best to help me. They care about your professional and personal life.

I think there is an element of personal accountability with this one, as I was unaware of how to have career conversations therefore didn't really know if I was having them or how to ask for them. I think I should have raised more attention to not being pushed enough. However, as a counter argument, anytime I did ask to go on projects or shadow other jobs, my manager supported this and encouraged it as a learning experience for me.

Varies so much! When you first start your placement, it can be quite slow as you are trying to settle in and work out the role. However, once it gets to Christmas the time flies because you are so busy.

I was given responsibility in the sense of facilitation. However, most decisions would have to be passed by a manager or head of department.

A placement teaches you so much. Even the smallest things like how to conduct yourself in the office, how to write a professional email or even time management. I truly believe this will help me going back to university to finish my degree as all of the skill mentioned as well as my attention to detail and analytical skills has widely improved.

Super friendly and helpful. It is a very casual feel around the building, people chat at cafes, wear jeans and trainers and are generally very polite to each other.

The placement experience is very well organised. From starting at J&J there was a training plan for all new starters, with role specific training as well as social events to make sure everyone got along. New this year too- there is a placement lead who oversees the students and facilitates quarterly meet ups whereby we share concerns or successes. This is great as the leads really listen to our suggestions i.e. we wanted a mentoring scheme- they put one in place.

If you ask for it, they will invest it. When they hire you as a placement student, they are looking for future leaders of that company. There are various examples of people who were placement students, now in high up roles. If you want to be developed, there is no limit to this.

With the company- very! They invest in their employees and make sure they get the best of everything; benefits, trainings, work;life balance etc.

Good- there are social events organised to start of the year. Plus, people tend to live together so they often spend lots of time together and become good friends from that.

I don't live in the area- I commute so its hard to tell not living here. However, meals and activities I have done, have all been fairly priced (not too expensive/ not too cheap).

More of a pub area then a nightclub area. However, London, Windsor, Watford, Reading are all accessible with a slight travel time.

The student group are in charge of the charity fundraising and with this, we went to Yorkshire and completed the 3 Peaks Challenge. Not too much else, that I can think of from my experience.