Operations Management IP Review

Good responsibility and exposure to the job, as well as being prioritised by the site to start with. Enjoyed the challenge and the general vibe at work. Felt solidarity with colleagues almost immediately and was able to contribute to site activity. I was able to take ownership of my own team and carried out many of the tasks set by senior management who trusted me to carry out their wishes to a consistent high standard.

Easy to sort shift swaps if necessary, always got on well as a team and made sure we helped each other where necessary. Arranged social gatherings outside of work.

I didn't really need support as much as I was left to flourish on my own and I preferred it this way. The only thing that would have been more beneficial in terms of guidance is a clear understanding of what tools we have available to us in a conflict when managing people. I wasn't sure on what could be said and had to learn this from the TMs whereas it would have been good to know what phrases or actions I can use to control the staff.

Always busy, which was the way I liked it! There is always more to do.

I genuinely had times where I was the most senior person on site, or at least in the warehouse, for periods of time. This shows I was trusted and I got to run my own projects as well as report to senior management on the status of several actions. I felt much older than I am and I appreciated being called upon by senior managers to step up when required.

I think I have learned how things get done and how to develop working relationships. Obviously the extra courses were a big attraction for me such as the IOSH course which I was fortunate to go on. However, we missed several chances to go on courses because of the pandemic, this would've been hugely beneficial to future work. On the job we didn't really demonstrate many technical skills it was more presentation and communication, as well as demonstrating my strong attention to detail

It was a fast paced working environment so the atmosphere was generally quite dynamic. We always had things to be getting on with and were rarely sat still for long periods of time. Often the work load got excessive and frustration came through but we would always find ways to deal with it and work as a team to share the work load. It was interesting and I was never ostracised or made to feel unwelcome in any way.

The organisation was great and we had a full plan for the year: obviously the pandemic put a spanner in the works! We were set to go on several courses, which didn't end up happening. Due to the nature of logistics it was often difficult to nail down meetings because everyone seemed to be busy, but whenever I wanted to see my bosses they were available and ready to talk, which I appreciated as a placement student.

It would be unfair to give Gist a low rating for this because they fully intended to invest heavily as mentioned above. I was given good levels of responsibility and shown the variety of roles available on site as well as what the graduate scheme will look like. I am not sure what personal training I could have accessed but if I wanted to get involved in something this was usually possible, from accident investigations to disciplinary meetings.

I am not sure how to grade this as I am writing before the end of my placement but I know that Gist invest in their IPs and there is a strong incentive to return on the graduate scheme as the career we face is fast tracked. There are quick ways to progress if you are willing and able and I know that I am a strong candidate for a future Ops Manager and beyond.

This was lacking as the only placement student on site plus one other graduate. The meet ups with other graduates were great but obviously these were limited due to the pandemic. It was great to meet up and discuss busy times with them as well as sharing stories from work. I think it may be difficult for introverted people to work in an environment where they are the youngest by a long way. I didn't find it too bad but it was strange not working with people my age.

Bristol is very expensive!

Bristol.

Football rugby golf fitness etc etc