Business Undergraduate Review

Highly enjoyable, although at time also very challenging and frustrating. The nature of many of the projects meant that both successes and setback are felt as a team. Overall, great opportunities and interesting work available, particularly when willing and initative are demonstrated. The AWASA (AgustaWestland Apprentices and Students Association) is aslo a great chance to get involved in social, sport and community events for the ~200 people in training schemes such as apprenticeships, NVQs and Undergraduate placements. There is aslo AWADP (the AgustaWestland Association for Developing Professionals) which is a social and business network for Undergraduates and Postgraduates within the company. For those interested in travel I was also able to visit a number of the sites in Italy through an IT based project during my first placment and may be heading off in the summer for a trip to Italy often awarded to memebers of the AWASA commitee.

Very much so. I was very lucky to have great line management in all my placement areas, which significantly impacts the type/calibre/high profile of work and the level of autonomy and trust afforded. However, a fellow undergrad was less lucky with one of his placements and as a result of this and not highlighting the issue to the Training department potentially didn't have as valuable an experience as possible.

Very much so. Training needs were discussed and catered for, resulting in a number of additional courses and workshops. Management are also keen to encourage internal networking to better understand the business and foster working relationships, with the potential for future opportunites. The one negative on this really was that a fantastic opportunity encouraged by mangement was blocked by the Training department and transfered to a Postgraduate, which I didn't feel was handled particularly professionally, possibly suggesting that secondments abroad are more likely as a Postgraduate than Undergraduate. Despite this Training have been very supportive, particularly during the second half of our 12 month programme when notably more organised (positive for the future).

Generally very busy, particularly with additional AWASA commitments.

Very positively, I was afforded significant autonomy in all my roles/projects and felt that my opinion was valued. In conjunction with this I still felt supported by management and the colleagues I worked with - rather than 'up the creek without a paddle!'.

Very much so. There are a number of qualifications and skills (such as business and technical skills courses) which will enhance my CV, as well as the opportunity for Marketing mentoring (Chartered Marketer - CIM) and Italian lessons from fellow colleagues and conferences such as the Royal Aeronautical Society Women in Aerospace Conference funded by AW. Experience of the working environment and more specifically AgustaWestland will stand in good stead far into the future.

Pretty good but not student prices.

Yeovil. I went back to Plymouth (uni) or away to visit friends most weekends.

Always lots going on.