This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.
Adjusting to a competitive environment, being thrust into a company with hundreds of systems which you aren't trained on formally and working with individuals who aren't so keen on students made this a very challenging placement!
Direct support from individual supervisor was shocking, however it is acknowledge this is down to the individual, others have had great supervisors. You are often restricted on access to confidential material which you need to do your job and the seems to be a lack of trust in the data you produce, it takes a lot of hard work to trusted! That being said pastoral support from a managerial level is excellent, if you ask for it!
In terms of my supervisor, very little. Left in the dark is probably the best description! Managerially they had little input on my work but were very helpful with administation, pastoral and showed that they care for their employees even if they're students!
Spent too much time working on the same thing which became very tedious. Would have preferred to have been too busy on lots of different things than stuck on the same slow moving project.
Apparently was given lots of responsibility but felt more like it was a distraction so that I had something to work on.
It's a very specialised industry and therefore uses very specialised tests, procedures and equipment therefore I don't see myself applying much of this stuff to my future career.
In my office it was silent but other offices were much more exciting and had good levels of banter. Just better hope you get lucky!
Not much support from managers, everything has to go through your supervisor so make sure you have a good one!
Was trained in elements of health and safety but not much else.
Flexi Time
Subsidised Canteen
Sports and Social Club
Financial Bonus
Company Parties/Events
Applied for a variety of jobs, didn't get any.
Socially a very good placement outside of work.
Good, lots to do and can live with other students making it more social.
Average at best but not too expensive.
If you go looking for it there is plenty of stuff to do!
Placement Year (10 Months+)
14th May 2013