Project Specialist Review

A fantastic opportunity to learn new things that I had never done before, as well as developing transferable skills which hopefuly will help me out when looking for graduate opportunities after university. The whole placement 'package' was great.

I was welcomed from the start, and was given a great departmental induction where I met everyone, and found out their roles, and how they worked with the rest of the business. Everyone has been friendly, and have been happy to help me out with any questions that I have had. I felt that most thought that I was contributing to the business, and making a difference to how the department ran.

I could not have asked for better support. I was not hand held, but given the opportunity to learn things on my own with guidance from my manager. I had monthly 121 catch-ups with my manager, and I feel that I could be open and honest with my manager in these catch-ups.

I was often really busy, and this showed me what the working world is really like - completely different from being a student! There has never really been an hour where I had nothing to do, and if I did have a 'quiet period' I could esaily get involved in some other project, or do some shadowing to make sure that I was not bored.

I was given responsibility from the start, and this responsibility increased throughout my placement. By the end of the year I was managing tasks and whole projects on my own which provided real value to the business. I had support still from my colleagues, but often they left me to it.

All of the skills/ training which I have received will help me in the future. I have picked up so many transferable skills whilst on placement, and have had to deal with many different situations which has given me more experience. Becaause I have had the opportunity to get involved in many areas of the business, I have been able to pick up on lots of real-life business issues and challenges.

The office was always busy, and there were always people networking in the corridors, or over a cup of coffee. On days when events were being held in the office, the place was buzzing which made it exciting. Other days people would keep their head down more, espeically towards quarter end.

The overal programme has been set up well, providing interns with support networks, training, and personal development opportunities. Also, interns are given the opportunity to get involved in cross-departmental work which gives interns a broader perspective of the whole organisation. Having a project team 'run' th intern programme makes it more personal, so that interns are not overlooked by more senior colleagues.

I was allowed to attend many training courses, shadowing opportunities, and mentoring sessions. Some were connected to my current intern job, others were for my own personal development to help me when I graduate. Nothing was too much trouble for me to attend, and I got a lot out of these opportunities.

I would absolutely go back to this organisation if they let me.

Those who were willing to come out of an evening/ weekend and socialise had a brilliant time. London is really close, and a university is nearby which we could make the most of. Anyone that is up for a laugh, can have a laugh.

The cost of living/ socialising was greater than I had seen before - the con of living so close to London. However, if you search around you can find the good deals (on houses and going out places)

The nightlife in the area where the office was was poor; however, a few towns away had a good nightlife in. Also, with London being so close, central nights out are possible.

If you were after a gym, or football after work then they were on your doorstep.