Market Risk Analyst

I really enjoyed my placement with RWE Supply and Trading. Placement students are given real responsibility as well as interesting, varied work that is appreciated by colleagues. The team I was in was extremely helpful and there is a great working atmosphere in the office.

Work was definitely valued by colleagues and regularly recognised in team meetings. Very good team atmosphere where work was shared around to give those with less experience plenty of opportunities.

Good support was provided by line managers usually through weekly 1:1 meetings. There could have been more specific guidance at times on what projects to work on, however this actually turned out to be a positive. Less specific guidance on what exactly to work on meant that you could basically choose your projects and what you spent time on. You are trusted in the team and therefore you have to be responsible for taking on work, it will not be handed to you on a plate.

I feel that there was always a good balance with work. I never struggled with not having enough to do - if you were ever lacking work you just had to raise it and work would be given to you as there was always things to do! Some days could be particularly busy with reporting deadlines, however I would usually stick very closely to my contracted hours, maybe staying later a few times a week to finish things off (but this was never a requirement).

The amount of responsibility given to placement students was one of the highlights of working for RWEST. There were numerous opportunities to represent the team and present to managers and senior stakeholders.

I study Physics, so none of the knowledge I learnt will apply directly back to my universities studies, however I have learnt lots of new skills that will assist me in the future. For example, presentation skills, confidence, data analysis skills using Excel and other database software, time management and communication.

I was working in the new office in Swindon, which is very good - big open plan style and good working atmosphere. Everyone including the traders were approachable and friendly and willing to help. Due to coronavirus, I spent a few months working online, so there was no office atmosphere however the team still communicated well, with things like team quizzes organised.

Well organised with development sessions throughout the year for the placement students.

Development sessions throughout the year were really useful. We also had the opportunity to present to managers across the company, at the end of the year, which was a good time to showcase our development. Unfortunately, there is no guaranteed fast track to the graduate scheme which is sometimes offered by other companies with placement students.

I really enjoyed the social aspects of the placement with the team and fellow placement students. There was some organised team activities and monthly lunches - depends on the team you are in however. There was a little formally organised for fellow placement students, it is mainly up to you to organise social activities!

Living in Swindon - the cost of living and socialising was very cheap!

Swindon- so not ideal nightlife.