Commercial Assistant Review

I throughly enjoyed my job from start to finish. I won't pretend that everyday was fun nor was it easy, but overall I can honestly say it was brilliant. So much so that I have negotiated a new contract for myself!!

At no point in time did I ever feel that I was not a part of the team. The thing that made this placement stand out is that every task was 'real' and had a direct impact on the business.

The support structure was very good and any problems were dealt with swiftly and very professionally. My line manager was always interested in my well being and was always approachable.

Like any job there were a few quiet days. However I could count these on one hand. For the most part the job was very busy - particularly in the second 6 months as I took on my own contracts.

I was asked at the beginning how much responsibility I wanted. My responsibility grew over the placement as I was let off the lead. In the second 6 months I had my own contracts which I managed and therefore felt that I had a high level of responsibility.

I have learnt a great deal of new skills during my placement as well as building on those I already have. I find myself using them almost on a daily basis and I'm sure i will continue to do so.

The department is very much open plan and a flat structure. Therefore although there are senior and junior grades it is not made evident until the very top positions. I think this is a good way to operate as it enables much easier interaction and communication. It also allows for a more relaxed atmosphere.

The placement was very well organised. From day one I was given tasks and knew what was expected of me.

The company paid for me to attend numerous training sessions, both in house and externally as well as giving me on the job training.

I've got a part time job in a very similar role within the department. It will see me through my final year at university and then I will enter discussions again to see about my future.

As a mature student I found it relatively easy to settle in to the team. They are all friendly and there is usually at least one social event each month. In addition, travelling away is usually fun as we meet up with colleagues from other sites.

The cost of living was relatively good. Although on the downside, because of the remote(ish) location of the site, the fuel costs were quite high.

There is no nightlife in Berkeley itself but there are a number of large towns or cities within 30 miles - Bristol, Gloucester, Cheltenham etc.

I played football every week with some of the staff at the social club. I know some of the other IP's shared houses and got involved in other things as well