This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.
Rating
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The Role
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The Company
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The Culture
- 1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?
- 2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?
- 3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?
- 4. How busy were you on a daily basis?
- 5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?
- 6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
- 7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?
- 8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?
- 9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
- 10. What were the perks on your work placement?
- 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?
- 12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?
- 13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?
- 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?
- 15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?
The Role
Plenty of other students around at all times so always people my own age to talk to, I always had enough work to do which was really enjoyable and had the opportunity to do regular work with other departments, visit other sites, take part in off-site trials and do laboratory work as well!
I was treated as a full member of my team throughout my placement and attended regular team meetings and group meetings etc. When I moved teams and groups midway through my placement I was made to feel incredibly valued and welcomed in my new team and settled in very quickly.
My supervisor was always on hand to ask for help with technical questions or even how to do simple tasks such as claiming expenses, booking leave etc.
While I am given enough work to get along with on a day to day basis I am also encouraged to look out for any other work people are doing that I'd like to get involved with. I've been able to complete other work due to this which has enabled me to see what else goes on in the business.
My work has been shown to international companies so my work was obviously quite trusted. I felt I was given a lot of responsibility but not too much that I felt worried about it!
I was surrounded by colleagues who are incredibly knowledgeable in their fields and were all very willing to give me help. I'm a pre-University Year in Industry student and I received a lot of help in what topics I'll come across in University and have learnt a lot of material in advance, as well as seeing how techniques are used in the workplace!
The Company
People were really hard working but had time to stop and have a chat!
My placement was set up incredibly well. My line manager contacted me before I started my placement to answer any worries I might have in advance and work was planned for my placement from start to finish, with my input as well.
I was part of a New Starter's group which meant I was able to meet up with other new people and attend various training/ experience sessions. After discussion, I was able to attend an overnight conference as part of my training too.
Flexi Time
Subsidised Canteen
Subsidised/Company Gym
National Travel
Company Parties/Events
Staff Sales/Staff Shop
Above 25 days holiday
Working from home
Summer sponsorships for summers during University are common. But sadly due to headcount reductions in the Civil Service this wasn't an option for students in my area.
The Culture
I live on the same street as 8 other students so we see each other every day. I was part of a New Starters group so had plenty of opportunities to meet other new people. My team often went out for lunch together and we also went out together at Christmas.
The cost of getting into Salisbury is incredibly high and difficult without a car. But if you're living in Salisbury it would be fine. Socialising in Salisbury is really expensive though!
To get a good night out you'd need to go to Southampton/Bristol/Portsmouth so about an hour away. Apparently it's better on student night when the students are here during term time!
Lots of sporty/gym opportunities but if you're not very sporty not really!
Details
Placement (10 Months+)
South West
July 2013