Heathrow Colleague Communications and Engagement Coordinator Review

by British Airways

This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.

Rating

4.7/5
  • The Role
    5.0
  • The Company
    5.0
  • The Culture
    3.9

    The Role

  • 1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?
  • I found my work placement extremely interesting. I was excited to go into work every day. I had the opportunity to get involved in many exciting projects and looked forward to taking responsibility and managing my own projects. Finally, working at Heathrow Airport, I could see the results of my projects and how they added great value to the customer experience, which was incredibly rewarding.

    5/5

  • 2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?
  • Working in a relatively small team meant that I could get to know my team members well and showcase my skills and abilities effectively. I felt valued by my team members, as they included me in their projects and often asked for my advice or ideas on certain aspects of what they were working on. Also, having a fresh view and perspective of the industry and the operation meant that I was often looked at to share a unique, new approach to doing things, and this made me feel valuable to my team.

    5/5

  • 3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?
  • As I worked very closely with my line manager, we had weekly meetings, where I was given feedback on my work and ideas of how I can improve and learn from my actions. In addition, as part of the work placement, I had a mid-placement and an end of placement review with both my line manager and the Placement Manager. The reviews helped me understand and realise my progress throughout my placement - noting all the skills and experience I gained - but also think about my development and what else I can achieve from the Placement. Overall, I feel like I was given all the support I needed to feel confident to lead my own projects and successfully manage a team.

    5/5

  • 4. How busy were you on a daily basis?
  • Working for a big, international airline meant that the environment is fast-paced and the operation is fast-changing. As I was based at Heathrow Terminal 5, I was busy in terms of dealing with short deadlines and making sure every action was completed in time for a project. Additionally, on busy operational days, I had to make sure to support the operation and our customers, and this meant learning to work in an environment where I have to adapt to the most recent information, and adapt my work day accordingly.

    5/5

  • 5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?
  • I was given the opportunity to lead my own projects - from planning all the details of the project and managing a team to executing the project and seeing it come to life. My team relied on me to plan those projects, recruit a team that would support and carry out the project, as well as be the main point of contact. This was extremely rewarding, as I had the chance to work on celebrating key milestones and achievements - the introduction of new liveries as part of the company's centenary, new aircraft deliveries and new routes.

    5/5

  • 6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
  • One of the skills I developed to a great extent is networking. Working in British Airways allowed me to expand my network and introduce myself to colleagues from departments across the whole business (from operational teams to the marketing teams). This meant that I had the opportunity to learn about key areas that make up a big business and, most importantly, how they all come together to make a successful company. By doing this, I not only have a great view and insight into a big airline, but an insight into a real business in general, which will allow me to look at my degree in Business and Management with a more experienced view. Finally, I now feel that my more in-depth understanding of a business will play a great role in my analysis of business overall and will contribute greatly to my degree.

    5/5

    The Company

  • 7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?
  • The atmosphere in the office was very inclusive, while also very energetic and engaging. I felt comfortable to express my opinions on a project or a process and felt that I would be heard and acknowledged. Often times, ideas and topics that came up from a simple and at times random conversation could lead to my team coming up with a creative or fun way to looking at a current project, or improving a specific process at the airport. In this sense, the atmosphere was also very creative and inspiring.

    5/5

  • 8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?
  • The work placement was very organised, with mid and end of year placement reviews, where I had to complete a form on my progress in the placement and in my role, as well as my line manager inputing their opinions on my work so far and possible development in the future. I received a clear description of my role in the business during the induction week and had a chance to speak to my line manager about my role as well.

    5/5

  • 9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
  • As an employee, I had access to the company's online training platform and could sign myself up to various courses that could be either completed online or in a classroom. During my Placement I received training on Commercial Decision Making, as well as Recruiting, and found both very useful not only in my role at the time of my placement, but in my degree and career overall.

    5/5

  • 10. What were the perks on your work placement?
  • Subsidised Canteen

    Sports and Social Club

    Subsidised/Company Gym

    National Travel

    International Travel

    Company Parties/Events

    Staff Sales/Staff Shop

    Healthcare/Dental

    5/5

  • 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?
  • I find the atmosphere, the environment and the opportunities within the organisation very appealing. Looking at the different Graduate Schemes available within the company, I found the Future Leaders scheme extremely interesting and rewarding, so I applied and now have a Graduate job once I finish my degree. I see myself enjoying my time working for British Airways and prospering from all the opportunities available to me.

    5/5

    The Culture

  • 12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?
  • As Placement students, we all supported each other in the different departments we worked in. This was also a great opportunity to shadow each other and learn more about different parts of the business. We especially bonded over our charity walk in Italy, where we walked 80km in 4 days and raised over £5,000 for Flying Start.

    5/5

  • 13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?
  • I commuted to work from Reading, where I live for University as well. Therefore, I was close to my university friends, and also had the opportunity to live in a student flat, where I could meet students my age and have fun with my friends on weekends and after work.

    3/5

  • 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?
  • I worked close to the airport, so in terms of nightlife - there are a few bars and some of them might be located in the hotels around the area. For example, for our work Christmas party - we celebrated in a hotel, and there are quite a few times where you can also use the restaurants/bars located in the airport as well.

    3/5

  • 15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?
  • There were so many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work. Specifically, there are many activities that you can take part in to support the charity the business works with - Flying Start. For example, I was involved in a charity walk, a football tournament and had the opportunity to bucket shake at Twickenham during the Six Flags games.

    5/5

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Details

Placement (10 Months+)

London

October 2019


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