Student Engineer Review

Huge variety of tasks to be involved with, if there was something I found interesting, I was able to ask my line manager to be involved and more often than not this was no problem. The large level of responsibility from day one was a fantastic approach and made you feel like a really valued member of the team from the start. Towards the second half of the placement I was able to visit suppliers and organise logistics and interactions for these meetings.

Given the wide range of opportunities that could be created, it was possible to show others what you are capable of and in return receive their trust. I would be regularly approached by other colleagues asking for information on areas I was working with. I was also asked to carry out tasks beyond what you would have expected of a placement student, again showing the trust installed by others.

Non project related regular meetings focused on development and placement issues and goals. This was an invaluable tool for sorting out any issues early. Kraft really do care about the personal development of their placement students - much more than I had anticipated. They hold regular workshops for skill improvements and offer opportunities to experience parts of the company which you feel interested in.

At the start of the placement, the work load was fairly light as Kraft do not know what the student is like. Once you demonstrate your capabilities the work load increases significantly to a level where you always know what you have to do and have to be in a position to task manage and change priorities.

As discussed, initially the level of responsibility was fairly low but this soon picked up after I mentioned the lack of challenge to my manager.

Invaluable, I changed a lot as an individual. If you do a degree for one thing, it should be the placement. My year at kraft made me a far more employable individual. I regularly refined my presentation, organisational and professional skills. Communication was probably the biggest area to improve, learning the importance of what to tell who and when.

Diverse, exciting, genuinely friendly, and fun. It genuinely was a fantastic experience to go into work each day.

The organisation of the year was for myself split into 6 month goals with the second six months dependant on my success in the first. Had my project not been successful in the first six months, im not sure what I would have been asked to do in the last 6 months. Although it would clearly have still been something rewarding and challenging.

Already discussed. They put far more effort in than I would have ever expected - very surprised at the number of workshops and training programmes available. Not to mention the huge on-line resource for development with e learning tools

I have accepted an offer to return

A large number of placement students (c.20) means there are always people to hang around with after work. Other colleagues mix well with the students inside and outside of work.

But there wasn't a lot to do, just cinema and bowling really - Oxford is only 15mins by train though :)

Only a handful of clubs, not the best but its who you are with not where you are that counts!!

Regular invites to various sports clubs, poker nights, film nights, days out, concerts etc kept a busy social diary.