HR Industrial Placement Review

I really enjoyed my placement with Gist as a HR IP. There is the opportunity to really get involved on a daily basis.

Especially in the second half of your placement, when I was moved to site, you have the knowledge to really make an impact and help others. Colleagues respect you and see you as a HR Advisor rather than the Industrial Placement Student.

During the first 6 months, I was based at Head Office, which really gives you the opportunity to learn and understand the business. All departments are there to support you and are willing to answer any questions, regardless of how long you have been there.

You are thrown in straight away to get involved, but if you are struggling then the team are there to answer any questions. If you require more work then you are always able to ask but the workload keeps you busy on a daily basis and the time never drags.

Lots! You are truly a valued member of the HR team and are relied upon to complete your own projects and workload.

A placement year is always valuable to give you an insight into the real working world but it also enables you to apply the skills you have learnt so far at degree level and experience the business environment. I would strongly recommend a placement as it also motivates you to succeed in your final year at university.

The atmosphere varies from Head Office to site. At Head Office, the atmosphere is more corporate but the offices are open plan and so it is easy to communicate. There is also a canteen, enabling you to get to know the team better over lunches. At site, the atmosphere is more relaxed and sociable. You are frequently visited by employees and managers seeking advice. It has a definite open door policy and is a really friendly environment to work in.

The Graduate Recruitment Team were great at getting interviews etc booked in prior to being successful to the job. The placement itself was well organised and you are given plenty of notice for moving locations.

You learn a lot on the job and there is lots of on the job training ensuring you are able to complete the job to the best of your ability on a daily basis. There is also the opportunity to attend courses depending on what department and site you are based at.

Gist offer a Graduate Scheme which is a well developed 3 year scheme.

The social scene is good, especially at site. At Head Office, there are frequently team lunches.

At Head Office, Rent can be expensive but a house share is the best value for money. I was based in Hemel Hempstead for my last 6 months and so was fortunate enough to be able to move home. For socialising, Basingstoke town is close by and there are plenty of shops and restaurants, varying in value for money.

In Basingstoke, there are plenty of pubs and a few night clubs. In Hemel Hempstead, there is also pubs and a few nightclubs but you are also a short train journey into London.

At both location, there were football teams set up.