Research Assistant Review

by Cornwall Council

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

Rating

3.2/5
  • The Role
    4.4
  • The Company
    4.0
  • The Culture
    0.3

    The Role

  • 1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?
  • I was given so much responsibility and independence that I was able to choose areas of interest to research and build on the work of previous colleagues.

    5/5

  • 2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?
  • I was made to feel like a real fixture in the team and was treated as an equal.

    5/5

  • 3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?
  • I had lots of support but this placement would only suit outgoing, independent students who are willing to use initiative as formal contact with my line manager was limited due to the busy nature of the service.

    4/5

  • 4. How busy were you on a daily basis?
  • There were so many projects to get involved with that I took on too much towards the end of my placement and didn't perhaps finish all projects to the best of my ability.

    4/5

  • 5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?
  • I took the lead on most of the work that I did and was almost solely responsible for dissemination of the findings.

    5/5

  • 6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
  • I am able to bring so many new skills to the final year of my degree and beyond (i.e. time management, critical skills, questioning, developing an argument, experience of real-world research).

    5/5

    The Company

  • 7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?
  • The office I was based in housed a multi-agency team with whom I could develop excellent working relationships. Due to the fast-paced nature of the service however, there were often times when you could be alone in the office.

    4/5

  • 8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?
  • 5/5

  • 9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
  • Although the placement was unpaid, I was invited to attend numerous conferences and training events which prospered my personal and professional development. In addition, I was constantly shadowing or working alongside other professionals from whom I learnt so much.

    5/5

  • 10. What were the perks on your work placement?
  • Flexi Time

    Above 25 days holiday

    Working from home

    4/5

  • 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?
  • If I get accepted for a Doctorate in Ed Psych, I have good contacts to apply for my second and third year with the service. I hope that they will get funding for an Assistant EP in the near future!

    4/5

    The Culture

  • 12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?
  • I was the only placement student and not only is Cornwall an isolated part of the country, but many colleagues have families and friends of their own age to socialise with. Aside from Christmas lunches and leaving parties there was not a social scene.

    1/5

  • 13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?
  • 0/5

  • 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?
  • 0/5

  • 15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?
  • 0/5

    Report this review

Details

Placement (10 Months+)

Education/Teaching, Science

South West

November 2010