Programme Analyst Review

Coming from a technical background I really enjoyed having the chance to see the bigger picture regarding delivery of technological solutions in a large company.

Everyone in the work place was really supportive. I was worried that being a student I might be treated differently, but many people were unaware that I was even on a placement and just treated me like any other employee. When I had suggestions or points to raise they were always taken into consideration.

My boss was absolutely brilliant. From day one I had a detailed work plan of objectives that I was to aim towards and timescales to achieve them in. I was not micro managed, so I was free to arrange meetings and guide these objectives in the way I saw fit, but my line manager was always available on the end of the phone (even on his days off) or in person if I ever needed any advice. This approach means that I really learnt from the actions I was taking and could identify the best way to move projects forward in the work place. This meant that when projects were achieved that I felt really rewarded as I knew it had been my input that had ensured their success.

Some days I dictated my own workload and could do as much as I chose. Other days I would have a day full of meetings, with a risks and issues log to update at the end of the day (hectic!).

I was solely responsible for the tasks that I was delivering, although I was of course accountable to my line manager for them.

Before this role I was entirely technically orientated. The project management, inter-person network building and global ways of working that I learnt from working at this company will be key skills that I will use in my career and in other activities for life.

Great balance between friendly fun banter and getting work done. There was a lot of interesting characters around! Unilever has a great work ethic which really suited me. There were no "scary" directors and everyone was really approachable.

On the day I arrived I had all the necessary inductions, user accounts were already set up for me and there was a member of the graduate scheme at the location I was working who was really helpful and could provide advice and guidance outside of my immediate team.

In terms of personal development I took a lot away from the placement from learning on the job. In terms of a structured training programme, placement students in Unilever are contractors and not permanent employees. As a result of this I had no access to any of Unilever's internal training courses or online training facilities. Having said this, if I ever needed further information on any subjects I was not sure about I could always speak to knowledgeable colleagues about matters such as ITIL, project management, company organisation etc. but there were no formal training courses in place for placement students.

Unilever has an appealing future leaders programme consisting of a 2/3 year scheme with a change in role every 6 months. One role will be overseas and one role will be out of function. Placement students that have performed well are often given consideration for entry into the scheme.

There was a brilliant all expenses paid winter function, and many nights out were organised in the lovely Chester area.

I found a great flat less than 5 miles away from work, and secured it for a bargain rate.

The office was only a few miles from Chester, a lovely city with plenty of clubs and shops and many people choose to live here when they are on placement. I chose to live nearer work because it was cheaper and more convenient.

There were some extra curricular activities arranged around the office such as 10k runs, climbing Mount Snowdon.