Operational Excellence Review

I was based in a operational role, focused on process improvement and manufacturing strategy. The job was very hands on, I was involved in numerous projects in which I had a good amount of input, so I felt my skills were utilised and my voice was heard. Additionally, the team I was based in consistently pushed me out of comfort zones which vastly improved my hard and soft skills. Overall, very enjoyable and would recommend.

At the beginning of the placement I struggled to communicate effectively with my colleagues, I was not too sure of myself nor the role I was based in. However, as time progressed and I gained confidence in my own ability I began performing well and became much more reliable. Colleagues would see me as reliable and confident as they gave me feedback throughout the year, to further this point I was invited to several social events which made me feel a part of the team. So, at the start I did not feel valued but as time progressed this changed completely.

Within a few weeks my first manager left the company which made things difficult at the start as I had no real guidance for some weeks, I was dropped in the deep end for some duties that I was unsure of. However, I was placed under the supervision of a new manager, this person was extremely kind and helpful in building my confidence and assisting me in my personal development. I was introduced to other, more senior, colleagues who treated me with the same level of respect and dignity. Overall, the support was exceptional.

For the first 10 months I was busy a lot of the time, I always had something to do or something to work on but I was able to take my time with most of my tasks. On a few occasions I became a tad overwhelmed with my responsibilities but I was able to learn some vital time management skills which helped alleviate the burdens. For the last 3 months I was unfortunately working from home due to the pandemic, although many of the projects I was involved in carried on my days began to get less busy as I was getting ready to complete my placement.

On a daily basis I was responsible for all of the capital based operational projects, this involved ensuring all project plan were on track, assisting on supplier support and the documentation process. Further daily tasks involved process improvement and operational support which were vital to production. Long-term, I was a member of several strategic project teams based on NPD, value stream mapping and change management, all of these were high responsibility and a lot of my time during my placement. In general, the level of responsibility was challenging but worth the effort!

Beginning with knowledge and tangible skills, I was involve in a lot of technical based projects in which I gained engineering based knowledge particularly regarding lean process improvement. This was of great assistance as in my final year at university my dissertation is based on the subject of process improvement so I am able to write about the subject with more conviction compared to my previous years in education. Additionally, I received a good amount of training regarding soft skills such as emotional intelligence. This subject has not only helped build my people skills in a work environment but also in academic and real life situations.

Good atmosphere, everyone was approachable and helpful.

Well organised, I was given responsivity from day one and many opportunities to get involved with projects outside of my primary department.

Training was available on a weekly basis, I did at least 2 or 3 sessions per month in order to upkeep and build my skills.

Depending on the types of graduate opportunities that become available I would certainly be inclined to return to Eaton.

Unfortunately the site was remote, although there was a train to the nearest city it was difficult to go out amongst students and colleagues often.

Limited cost, not a lot of opportunities to socialise.

Limited nightlife, the area was rural.

Once a week there was a running club and once a month the site went out for afternoon tea.