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
My placement at UmPhafa exceeded all expectations - it was a truly hands on immersive experience working on all aspects of a wildlife conservancy.
Strange options here?! I felt 100% appreciated by colleagues and reserve staff - however it was a volunteer placement and not set up to make me feel like 'family', we were colleagues!
Every aspect of health and safety. along with other specialist knowledge required to make the placement a success. was given initially and reinforced throughout the placement. Each new task was supported by tailored support.
The placement work schedule was challenging, satisfying and meaningful - the work we undertook had a real purpose.
I was given a level of responsibility commensurate with being in an unfamiliar situation where a level of risk was evident - as confidence and ability grew so more and appropriate responsibilities were given - however safe management was the priority.
I was not a student - however I learned a great deal about many aspects of reserve management, conservation management and fauna / flora surveys that underpinned my reason for taking the placement.
The Company
The 'office' was the best in the world - a private nature conservancy in South Africa - the atmosphere among the 'team' was brilliant - lots of humour, compassion and mutual respect / support.
Placement arrangements were excellent - good dialogue from day one.
This was a placement on a nature conservancy so training was very hands on and practical - the management and supervision was excellent.
It was a time limited volunteer placement - however with the fieldwork experience obtained there would be a very useful entry on a candidates CV if they were seeking conservation / wildlife employment.
The Culture
We became a close and respectful team many of who have kept contact long after the placement has ended.
Rural South Africa - not a lot to spend your money on.
Nightlife was awesome - barbecues ( bries) under the night sky with rhino, giraffe and zebra to name but a few walking by. Best nightlife I could imagine.
We had the opportunity to visit local schools, church, townships and other reserves etc plus some independent travel.
Details
Internship (1 Month+)
International
January 2014