Environmental summer placement Review

Very insightful, I got to work on some very interesting projects within the alliance, such as assisting in the development of an environmental case for the EA which allowed me to practise writing skills and how to adapt caclulations.

Very valued, I didn't feel like I was doing all of the desk work which meant I was working on aspects from actual projects. This made me feel like I was playing as part of the team instead of just being someone who wasn't yet qualified.

Everyone I worked with on a day to day basis was very supportive and helped me learn what I needed to complete my projects but I was left to get on with some work and encouraged to ask questions when I got stuck. I feel like it was a very good mix between being left to do my own research and being helped out when I had questions to ask, I was never made to feel silly for asking a question

I have managed to get quite a lot of work done within the 5 months I have spent here, I was never over loaded with work however I felt like there was enough to do

I feel like I was given the prfect amount of balance as I was allowed to work on my own pieces of work but then got the guidance I needed to perfect it. I didn't feel like I was just a summer placement as I felt my collegues really wanted to help me progress.

One of the biggest skills I learnt was the importance of being professional I feel like this has made my writted and spoken communication as I have had to practise a lot more

Working within the aliance ofice has been a very nice friendly atmosphere. Everyone within the office gets along and seems to always have something to talk about.

Very well organised, the only issue would be that I lost the use of my laptop for a week due to having extended my contract, it wasnt a huge issue but it did mean I couldn't really do any electronic work for a week

I have had some training including human performance and introduction training however I only worked within the ISA for 5 months over summer and this was an extension so I wouldn't say it was necassary to do more training than introduction

I would say formally they are non exsistant. I have been doing my placement with the SHE team and formally on the Morgan Sindall website there isn't a way I could apply for a job for when I finish university.

A few of my colleagues do a 'come dine with me' themed night where they take it in turns to cook meals for each other. There is usually about 6 people and it is a good night to get to know some people that you work with. In addition to this there is a young proffesionals network which allows placement students to go on educational days out e.g to lectures and get to know each other through this.

I would say it is relativley expensive this is probably due to the fact I was based in a very rural area. It is also relativly difficult to get anywhere unless you drive and taxis are very expensive.

Being in a very rural area conventional nightlife (clubs) are in short supply. However there are a lot of public houses within walking distance from where I was based.

I didn't really take advantage of outside of work activities however within the alliance there is always a lot of oppurtunities sent out through email communication such as organised charity walks and BBQ's.