Year in Industry Student Review

I didn't enjoy my placement as I was never utilised and always felt like a burden rather than an asset.

Colleagues would only use me to do the jobs that they didn't want to do. For example, convert a PDF document to Word or cover the project secretary role. The Chemical Engineering work I demanded to be given was well received however, but only by those less senior in the organisation, who would be using it. In essence, I got on well with those less senior but was ignored and undervalued by my supervisors and those in more senior positions.

There was virtually no support. Any task I was set I had to demand and needed to constantly ask questions to gauge an idea of what was expected of me. When I had problems nobody could help me so I had to take my own initiative which was frustrating but also a good learning experience. On presenting my finished product, my supervisors were never interested which was very demoralising.

I was always bored. I would bring a book into the office and read that and sometimes even watch iPlayer. Nobody cared what I did as long as I wasn't a bother. When I asked for work it was held in bad regard.

I had to cover the role of project secretary for a month which demanded a lot of responsibility however no one which that was applicable to engineering. I was also assigned the role of 'scribe' in meetings which required responsibility in recording and issuing minute meetings. They knew I was responsible and well organised but yet never used that constructively in any engineering application which was extremely frustrating.

I know how an organisation works and how to put up with difficulty in a professional manner and for a long time. I had also seen chemical engineering specific documents and have learnt that the oil industry isn't where I wish to pursue a career.

In general people were very friendly except towards the end of my time when my second supervisor became hostile towards me when it became obvious that I wasn't being given enough work and was bored.

The set up was horrendous. They had never had a Chemical Engineer student before and had no idea what to do with me. The supervisors I was allocated had far too much on their plates to deal with a student as well so guidance was severely lacking. I never had any check ups or feedback sessions so had to bring things up when convenient to them. The division wasn't able to support a student and never was prepared so it was doomed from the start.

I went to some training events which I had to organise myself. Lots were available but my supervisors always told me that they wouldn't be able to justify the funding for me. This was a great shame.

Graduates are placed in a 4 year scheme, during which time they can become Chartered. Job prospects and salaries after that are quite attractive. However my experience within Wood Group has put me off ever applying for a job with them.

There were 2 other placement students my age who were very sociable and often nights out were organised so I got to know my colleagues throughout the year. There was an induction week which involved fun activities and team building which was very helpful in allowing all the new intake to get to know each other.

I lived at home so didn't have to pay anything. Aberdeen is quite an expensive city but there are plenty of cheaper options in terms of housing as well.

Aberdeen is really good fun at night! It probably helped that I had friends in the city and knew everywhere as well however.

Occasionally there would be the odd visit to a power plant but this only happened once in the 7 months I was there.