Stakeholder Specialist - Non-Standard Connections, Gas Distibution Review

The placement was very engaging and a good opportunity to develop a wide range of skills. It was enjoyable but as with any role there are elements that are more enjoyable than others. Overall, however, the placement has been enjoyable and a valuable experience.

With the odd exception that you can expect in any working environment, my colleagues were very approachable and valued me as much as any other member of staff. I felt particularly valued by the Academy (HR) and by fellow students. Colleagues are always willing to spend time with me to support me and even come to me for support and guidance with tasks and things of a personal nature.

I had two managers during my time on placement. My first manager moved to another area of the business in my 3rd month on placement. That manager provided good support and was keen for me to develop during my time on placement. My Second manager took over from 3 months into my placement. This manager also provided good support and encouraged me to develop, focusing on the areas that I had greater need for improvement. I believe that the nature of my managers' role as head of my team was very demanding, particularly as this was a rapidly evolving area of the business and involved a lot of technical details and customer management. As such, I did not expect to have the level of support I received. That being said, as I moved through my placement I naturally became increasingly independant and as I got involved in work beyond the remit of my manager, the need for direct professional support reduced. Overall, the amount of support was good considering the nature of my role.

There were some days that were less busy but I was generally kept exceedingly busy. There were several times that required significant overtime (unpaid) but this was due to my workload and not due to my being direct to work overtime by a manager. My workload was very heavy but I did contribute to this as I was always very keen to take on new challenges and roles across the business beyond my 'day-job' remit. Had this been a permenant role and not a 12 month placement, this workload would not have been sustainable.

I was given far more responsibility than I had expected. My role required continuous customer management, being the face of National Grid for our business customers. I have also represented the company at conferences and industry events. I have jointly lead on a project feeding directly into the business' priorities and helped to create promotional materials and supportive evidence for Ofgem. I have also been the lead for member communications on the Pride employee resource group, taking ana active part in the steering group.

While the content of my degree is not particularly applicable to my placement (Biology vs Gas Distribution), the skills I have developed are significant. I have grown in confidence and enhanced my presenation, communication and project management skills. I have also developed a good ability to combine a wide range of evidence from across disciplines and industries to identify connections and linkages. These skills will be highly valuable in my degree and beyond in terms of enhancing and perfecting my approach to tasks and studies. I have been able to develop a solid grounding in contract management and the workings of large businesses, which will prove invaluable in planned future roles.

The office atmosphere was generally positive. Everyone knew everyone else and while we were not a close-knit team, we all looked out for and supported each other when we could. The team as a whole seemed over-stretched and uncertain of its true purpose (it was a new department), as evidenced at our team away day. It was also clear that there were certain groups within the department who gravitated toward each other. But on a daily basis the department was enjoyable and we all had fun together. It was generally very pleasant to be in.

The placement was well organised and structured with quarterly reviews and expectations clearly laid out at the start. Objectives are quickly agreed with your manager at the start of the placement so you know what you are expected to deliver during your time here. The Academy (HR) keep their finger on the pulse of all students and ensure that the placement process runs smoothly.

The company place great value on personal development and for placement students, there are endless opportunities to go on visits to other sites to learn more, undertake structured training courses and e-learning programmes. My development needs were identified and regularly reviewed and training/development opportunities put in place to satusfy these needs. I undertook a Cotnract Management Training course, a variety of e-learning courses and modified my role to meet various development goals.

The company has much to offer and a wide variety of roles available. While the company is an energy company, it s departments are incredibly varied and the day to day tasks that an employee can do in their role are also very varied. The pay scale is also attractive and it is evident that the company does invest well in its employees, providing a range of benefits. I applied for this placement with the idea that this would broaden my industry knowledge and skill set beyond what my degree could offer. As such, the role is not in my natural interest area as much as potential other careers associated with my degree. That said, the personal development opportunities at National Grid are significant and I am incredibly keen on developing, which adds to the appeal of returning to the company.

Being based at the Hinckley site with only 2 other students, there was a clear divide amongst the cohort between locations (most in Warwick, some in Wokingham, some in Hinckley and others across the UK). I formed close ties with the other student in my department, with whom I worked closely throughout my placement. The students in the Gas Distribution business were located across the country but were united by a common department and got together at socials organised by the company. The Gas Distribution business in general provides a good social scene and support network, which meant that I was familiar with both the Students and Graduates as well as being able to network with poeple from across the business.

I moved from Bath to Hinckley for the year and rented a large 1 bedroom flat about 12 minutes' walk from the office. It cost £450pcm plus bills. This was significantly cheaper than what I am used to (Bath is by no means cheap!) and allowed me to save money whilst on placement this year. I saved money by not communting, but Hinckley does not have a particularly active social scene and nearby Birmingham or Leicester are the better options. Generally the cost of living is the same as most areas of the country but property prices are significantly cheaper than the South of the UK.

Hinckley does not really have any nightlife as such beyond a couple of chain pubs. Leicester or Birmingham are better for a night out but do involve travelling. I would not recommend living in Hinckley to people who would be looking to maintain a 'university-level' nightlife. Leicester, Birmingham and Coventry are all university cities and can provide for nightlife.

There were a variety of opportunities including volounteering in the community, charity events, sports clubs and socials. The best events tend to be the ones orchestrated by the team you are with but even more structured external events are very enjoyable.