Sustainability IP Review

Support the sustainability team in delivering carbon reduction initiatives across the Gist network. Help Gist understand the upcoming and mandatory regulations related to environmental monitoring and reporting. Assist with data collection and reporting on environmental metrics. Drive change in environmental, social and governmental fields within gist and beyond. Research upcoming technologies within the industry and make suggestions accordingly. Support the communication of environmental messages and achievements to all colleagues. Have a positive impact for Gist.

I have significantly improved my data processing skills, working with large amounts of data on excel doing complex carbon calculations. I have also recently learnt how to use MS access, working with complex databases to upload and report on environmental data. I have also improved my researching and presenting skills, being able to effectively research topics and condense the information into a concise format. I have improved my communication skills, learning how to communicate well with colleagues across the business.

At the beginning of the placement I did not have loads of responsibility. This was because I was still getting to grips with all of the different topics and processes that my role covered. As time went on I worked with my line manager to establish a few different projects that I could lead, having near on full responsibility to decide where I wanted to take them and whether they would succeed. I feel I could have taken on more responsibilities as I know I am capable of handling more tasks than was given but I understand that the nature of my role and the position I am in limited this beyond control slightly.

I received large amounts of support throughout my placement year. I had monthly catch ups with the early talent team who on-boarded me. I was set up with a buddy, who happened to also be located on my local site, and we had regular catch ups where I could discuss any issues I was facing. I was also given a mentor, a senior member of staff with lots of experience, who I could reach out to for any career advice I needed. My line manager was also very supportive and open to conversation which helped a lot.

I was based at one of our sites and the atmosphere there was always very busy. Everyone is engaging and always very kind. The culture varies depending on the department that you are in which I found refreshing as you could go and sit in different areas and have a different experiences and conversations. In terms of overall company culture, people have a less progressive mindset. A lot of people are stuck in their ways, with a common theme of 'why should we change, that's how we've always done it' occurring amongst more long-term employees. Most of the people I interact with day-to-day however, are a lot more open minded.

Overall, I have enjoyed my placement and found it a very valuable experience. I have enjoyed learning new skills, meeting new people, and generally developing as a person and learning how the corporate world works. There have been elements which I haven't enjoyed as much, including times where there has been little work to do leading to me having to take initiative and find things to work on. I did not mind this but I like to be given some direction, an end goal, to drive my work forward.

Yes

This is a very process-oriented job, with the core way that the business runs revolving around delivering product from A to B in the most efficient way possible. Although there is room for making improvements the process remains the same so just be aware of that when applying. I would recommend reading up about the company, the types of business they conduct, as well as researching their history and competitors. Try to be confident in interviews and come with passion for improvement and some ideas for making positive change.