Business Analyst - Sales & Data Review

I really enjoyed my placement year at Atlas Copco as there was a good balance between the quality of the work and social aspects. Atlas benefits from having a really relaxed working environment where everyone is friendly and happy to help! This really did play a huge part in helping me to settle in.

Right from the beginning off the placement I was welcomed and it really is a big family! My work was always valued no matter how big or small the task I had completed was my manager would always thank me for my efforts. Everyone at Atlas is really friendly and the work you do for each other is greatly appreciated.

There is not one person who I met throughout the whole year who wouldn't be happy to help! I always felt as though I could ask any off the management team any questions I had and they would always be more than happy to help. My line manager was very helpful throughout the year as he scheduled in weekly meetings where he would give me improvements for my work which I feel was a huge help and helped me to grow as the year went on.

Throughout the year I was always given a good amount off work. There was never a moment when I never had anything to do as my work contained a mix of day to day tasks and project work. Beginning off the month was busiest as this involved lot's off reporting. The project work was ongoing so this always kept me busy as managers would want updates off where the projects were.

Right from the get go I was given responsibility for all off my work. Each month I had reports to complete with time deadlines for the various management teams which would be used to pay rewards for a cross selling type lead system. Regarding project work my manager would dedicate me as project lead and I would have to report back my findings in a timely manager which gave me direct responsibility.

I can't praise Atlas enough for the training I was given! Despite only being an intern they still invested heavily in my training which ranged from excel training to product training. Throughout the year I feel as though I have also improved some off my soft skills such as communication and team work. Combining this together leaves me in good stead once I have graduated and also upon my return to University in September.

The atmosphere in the office was lovely! There was a good balance between socialising and work with a variety off out off office activities to participate in. I participated in a weekly pub quiz with some colleagues, a weekly 5 a side football team as well as other events at Christmas. Everyone is so relaxed and friendly which really helped me to settle in and ease my nerves in my first few weeks.

The placement was very well organised, right from the assessment day before I started I could tell that a lot off effort had been put into planning and organising the placement process. This year as well there are already some steps being taken to ensure a good return to university as previous students have said it is a big jump upon returning to education.

We were given lot's off training for me personally I had: Basic Excel Training, Intermediate Excel Training, Product Training, Technical Training and also Process Training. I can't praise Atlas enough for their training considering that I was just there for that year they really invest. My manager really did spend a lot off time in my development as we had weekly meetings discussing how I could improve which I can say has helped me massively.

There are no graduate employment schemes with Atlas Copco so future employment opportunities may be hard to come across. Although saying that there are a handful off previous placement students who have returned to working at Atlas, so there could be some potential if the time was right.

There was a brilliant social scene amongst fellow students where we organised a 5 a side football team playing weekly with other students. We also had a few nights out together and a couple of BBQ/drinks round various houses. There was also a good social scene amongst fellow colleagues as a few off us organised a weekly pub quiz. All in all there was a good social scene.

Despite living at home I can say that the cost off living is considerably more expensive as Hemel Hempstead is situated on the commuter belt for London. The cost off socialising isn't too bad but as you venture closer into London it becomes more expensive regarding travel etc. Overall I would say the cost is more than the usual cost off living at University.

Nightlife in Hemel Hempstead isn't that great clubbing wise, however there are a variety off lovely pubs with a chilled out vibe particularly along the canal. If you're looking for a more vibrant party scene then Hemel Hempstead is only a short journey away from London and also smaller towns like St Albans, Milton Keynes and Watford have a good nightlife.

There were lot's off opportunities to socialise outside off work, we organised a few nights out at the pub as well as bigger nights out in other towns such as St Albans and Watford. We also had a 5 aside football team which we participated in weekly. As well as this we started up a weekly pub quiz with other colleagues to socialise outside off work. Overall lot's of opportunity to get involved outside off work.