IT Analyst Review

I have really enjoyed my year at 3M, the only thing I would choose to change is to be able to select the projects I worked on, and swap some of the more basic ones for more exciting challenges.

3M colleagues are almost always friendly and happy to help you out with anything you need.

My personal line manager and I meet on a frequent basis to discuss any issues and to plan future work. I also feel very supported and guided by other staff who I work more personally with, and feel like 3M inspires a mentoring atmosphere.

IT by nature has its ebbs and flows, and there have been slow and busy times over the year. On the plus side, we use a flexi-time system, so I can balance out my working hours to match the busy times. I am never expected to take work home, and I have only been asked to work on weekends twice, though both have been optional, and I have received time off in lieu for both.

I feel in my team that the responsibility for the placement students easily is equal to that of the full time staff. I personally have led projects which I inherited from more senior colleagues who have been at 3M for over 5 years.

I feel like the experience of a placement year is invaluable in industry, and should seriously benefit students when coming to apply for graduate roles in the future. If you are doing an IT-related degree, then the placement should help you apply skills learnt at university in a real-world situation. You just can't get that experience through study.

3M is a fairly informal and friendly working environment, with open plan offices and glass sided meeting rooms. You can drop by and talk to people when you need to, and most people are very accomodating.

Initial training was provided, and full-day and short seminar personal development sessions extend throughout the duration of the placement.

We use a personal development plan to track our progress through the year, and regular training sessions are provided.

I hope to return to 3M for a graduate role in the future!

Yes, with many placement students at the Bracknell HQ, and regular events with the others in the UK, there were many social events.

Bracknell is best avoided, and the surrounding area isn't cheap, but not crazy expensive. Reading is easily accessible, as is London.

With Reading and London nearby, there's lots to chose from.

There are events organised by the departments which you can opt into, but it relies on people organizing them! Can be a bit hit and miss, but if you have a great idea for a social, you can put it on the calendar and arrange it!