Industrial Placement Student Review

I have thoroughly enjoyed my placement year at AZ as from the beginning, my team have made me feel welcome and part of the team. I have never felt left behind in terms of the work as there is a philosophy that no question is a stupid question so you are given the opportunity to build your confidence and independence without feeling as if I was out of my depth.

As my experience and independence has grown, through help and guidance of my supervisor and team, I have seen how the work and input I put in is respected and considered. This means I am not afraid to present my work or ask questions when I am unsure.

My supervisor has been incredibly supportive across the entire year where I have never felt as if I had been forgotten about or a hindrance. The guidance and teachings I have had over the months with both work and university has allowed me to gain independence and confidence in my understanding so I am not afraid to present my findings.

The work load varied week to week so there were weeks where I was extremely busy and others where I had the chance to get up-to-date on university work or prepare slides for presentations. My supervisor and I had a priority ranking system which ensured the essential work has completed first in the busy weeks so when a slower week occurred, I could work on the lower priority work.

As I grew in confidence and understanding, I was given more responsibility where I presented my findings and answered any questions associated with them. The work I complete does get routinely checked by my supervisor, to ensure it is correct as a wrong interpretation can have a domino effect which in turn can waste people's time and energy.

The work and guidance I have received from my team and supervisor has shown me that I would like to work in the same area of chemistry. This led me to apply for PhDs in the same research area. In terms of my degree studies, I am eternally grateful to my supervisor who gave me constructive feedback for my presentation and report which has improved my ability to present my work orally and in written form immensely.

The building I work in has a great atmosphere in the office where everyone is happy to talk to you and answer any questions you may have. I am not afraid to approach anyone to talk to them about data or ask a general question and there are regular cakes brought in to celebrate achievements and birthdays which is always a perk.

Initially I was told the wrong AZ site so thankfully it was resolved before sorting any housing otherwise, it would have been a nightmare. However, we didn't find out what building I would be based in until the week before I started so it would've helped to have known the information beforehand just so travel could be finalised. However, despite the initial hiccups, by the end of the first week, I had a clear idea of what I would be working on and what was the aim of the placement so I had an idea of what I would need to prepare for my degree studies.

My team are incredibly open to me asking questions about the work they do so I can expand my understanding of what my team does day-to-day. The guidance and support received from them as well has allowed me to develop a whole range of skills which has allowed me to personally develop once I leave and begin the next stage of my career.

There are opportunities to join the organisation however, with the career I would like to do required further postgraduate study so I didn't research the prospects too thoroughly. However, one day I would love to return to the organisation and work within my current team as I enjoy coming into work everyday.

The placement students in the building get along really well so there are a load of opportunities organised by us to socialise together which have included punting, bouldering, cinema trips and BBQs. There are also chances to socialise with the other students working on the other sites so it's nice to meet up with everyone and get involved in activities organised by AZ or by us as a group.

Cambridge is fairly expensive to live and socialise in, especially when compared to other university cities, so budgeting seems to be key. Living in the South of Cambridge and commuting has been better than living closer to the work site, as you don't miss out on the social life a city brings. However, Cambridge has so many different activities to try and get involved in so you can find something to do every weekend. A key plus of AZ is the Amaze Club where there are discounts to certain Cambridge attractions, like free punting once a month or a Botanical Garden pass, so you can explore the city for less. There are also regular trains into London so it is accessible to again explore museums and see West End shows so there is always something to get involved in.

The clubs and bars are what you expect in university cities where who you are with can make a night out enjoyable. I prefer the pubs over the clubs as there are a huge variety of bars and pubs in Cambridge so there is always somewhere else to try and the pubs offer bespoke beer, pub quizzes or live music and entertainment so you can chat, eat and enjoy some music.

AZInspire offer various activities to get involved in activities outside work where you can socialise like pub trips, sports days and bowling. Joining local sports teams or orchestras or choirs also provide opportunities to get involved and socialise with other placement students in the area or local residents. The netball team I joined welcomed me with open arms and I will be sad when I have to leave as despite being with them for less than a year, I feel I have made friends for life. The placement students also organise activities amongst ourselves which also is a lot of fun too.