Global Technical Services Intern Review

I enjoyed my placement at the company. Working as an Intern for the Global Technical Services department meant I was able to network with international employees. I also received "on the job" support and training, which enabled my professional and personal development. The staff were highly supportive and friendly, which was so welcoming as a nervous student!

Due to my lack of knowledge at the beginning of my placement, I was not able to contribute as much as I hoped to. However, after receiving training and support, I was able to work with people from other departments in a professional manner. Interacting with colleges was highly important to me, and I really felt apart of the team and was valued for the work I produced during the final half of my placement.

I had regular "coaching" sessions with my line manager, where we discussed topics to aid my professional development. We talked about concise scientific wiring and how to organise and chair meetings, as well as more technical software training. I felt that I could approach my manager at any time with a problem and we could come up with a solution together. My manager was also interested in my personal development, where we would discuss what I would have considered doing after my degree. This level of support aided me to improve my confidence in the workplace.

The workload fluctuated for me. I had projects to get on with throughout my placement, however, when I was given small tasks with a short turnover, it soon got very busy. During my placement, I did not feel swamped with work and I could always manage the workload. I rarely had to stay at work outside my normal working hours.

Because of the nature of my placement and the lack of knowledge at the start, I was limited in what responsibility I could be given especially at the start of my placement. However, I was responsible for more tasks as my placement progressed. I worked on lots of projects, but I did really manage the projects.

This placement is directly linked to my BSc in Animal Science. I had learnt so much technical knowledge and professional skills which will hopefully help me secure a job or masters after I graduate. I feel like my experience at Dansico has been irreplaceable and I will miss all the employees so much.

The colleagues that I worked with were always helpful and fun. This meant that the office was a very relaxed and friendly environment. The office only house 30 employees, so I had a chance to meet everyone and really got to know a few individuals. The office was air conditioned and had comfortable furniture, It was a very nice environment to concentrate on work.

I was one of the first placement students at the company and it was orangeades very well. I received a week training program at the beginning of my placement, where I was given basic software training and a "meet and greet" with staff at the company. I also received a welcome pack, with office information and also a guide to the local area which I thought was a very nice touch!

I received a lot of internal training by other members of staff. I thought this was good so I could ask them any questions if I was unsure. I also went on external training days for statistical training, which was very helpful for my day-to-day work. I also visited a feed-mill and a chicken farm to really get an inside view of the industry. I was impressed with the attitude of personal development of a placement student.

I would love the opportunity to become an employee after I graduate. The prospects of promotion and international travel and high and the benefits of working for a big company are good. I like the office environment and the staff at the company and would love the chance to work with them again.

We regularly payed badminton once a week at the local leisure centre after work. If you are feeling fit there are a small group which go for runs during a lunch break. Sometimes we go the cinema or go for drinks after work. They are a social bunch and up to do something after work or in free time.

Wiltshire can be pretty expensive to live in and having a car makes things a little easier. A lot of people commute from other areas of the UK, but the accommodation around the office can be pretty expensive.

There is only one night club in the town and is always empty or packed with teenagers. Although in the area, there are a lot of very nice pubs and restaurants which are lovely, but can be quite expensive.

During my placement, they ran a few projects to try and encourage members of the same company from around the world to interact and share their cultural experiences. They also have run in the past the three peaks challenge for charity and various other activates such as the macmillan coffee morning and a mince pie baking competition.