Research placement/ Volunteer Review

by Umphafa Private Nature Reserve

This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.

Rating

4.5/5
  • The Role
    5.0
  • The Company
    4.4
  • The Culture
    3.8

    The Role

  • 1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?
  • I didn't want to leave and it has actually given me a career focus.

    5/5

  • 2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?
  • I felt like I was really making an effort whilst I was there. The coordinators were lovely as well as the other staff members there.

    5/5

  • 3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?
  • They were very supportive when we needed it but also allowed us to explore.

    5/5

  • 4. How busy were you on a daily basis?
  • There were days off for relaxation on a saturday afternoon and sunday but all I wanted to do was keep going. It didn't feel like work at all because I loved it so much!

    5/5

  • 5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?
  • Towards the end of my time there I felt as if I could carry out a task properly and felt like the staff knew I was capable of doing it. They were always there to offer advice if it was needed.

    5/5

  • 6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
  • Definitely skills for life. Not only was it skills that I can use in my time at uni but also I gained many skills that I didn't think that I would, such as leadership and confidence, knowing that the staff were happy that I was capable of doing something.

    5/5

    The Company

  • 7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?
  • It was constant learning but it didn't feel like I was being lectured. Being around the staff who are so knowledgeable and clearly just love what they do, was very inspiring and the enthusiasm just completely rubbed off.

    5/5

  • 8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?
  • Mostly it was very smooth, but some details before I went weren't clear but were sorted in advance of me leaving for the internship.

    5/5

  • 9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
  • They invested pretty much everything. Towards the end of the stay, it was as if the staff just relaxed because they knew that all the volunteers at the time were equipped with the confidence and knowledge to get the job done properly. They were incredibly upfront about the issues that they face and how they can try and over come it.

    5/5

  • 10. What were the perks on your work placement?
  • 5/5

  • 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?
  • A job is not directly possible with the reserve but from the experience I gained whilst I was there will be very desirable.

    3/5

    The Culture

  • 12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?
  • Everyone got on very well. There was a few issues with another student but this can be expected as everyone is different! It was hard saying bye to everyone and I have definitely made some friends for life!

    5/5

  • 13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?
  • The accommodation was included in the price of the internship, it was perfect for all of the students needs.

    5/5

  • 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?
  • We didn't leave the reserve apart from some last night meals but there was plenty to do on the reserve. We had a braai once every week and occasionally we went on a night drive which was so cool! There was a tele in the lounge with the South African version of Sky so there was plenty to watch.

    0/5

  • 15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?
  • We were able to visit the local high school and do a talk on conservation. We were able to go out for a meal on the last night to celebrate our time there. On some of the volunteers last nights we went and watched the sun set, it was spectacular! Due to having free time at the weekend, we were able to pay a small amount of petrol money and go to some of the sites that we wanted to see, such as the Drakensberg Mountains, a reptile and falconry centre, Rorke's Drift...

    5/5

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Details

Internship (1 Month+)

Environmental Science, Science, Surveying

International

January 2014


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