Year in Industry Student Review

by National Grid

This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.

Rating

3.7/5
  • The Role
    3.4
  • The Company
    4.1
  • The Culture
    3.6

    The Role

  • 1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?

    • It was ok, it could have been much worse, I was just quite bored a lot of the time. I think my work pace and level are above my colleagues so I was not given enough work to do because what took me a few days would have taken them a few months.

    4/5
  • 2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?

    • I felt highly valued, I was asked for help on Access and Excel all the time and my boss seemed to value me as an equal if not higher.

    5/5
  • 3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?

    • Support/guidance was ok to an extent, but despite numerous conversations about my lack of work to do I was still left fairly bored a lot of the time.

    4/5
  • 4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

    • Not at all busy, occasionally a chunk of work came my way and I completed it well on time, to a very high level. I found myself rationing work so I had things to do. I don't think people here are used to working at a high level at speed.

    1/5
  • 5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?

    • A fair amount, much of my work went straight to OFGEM, I would have preferred some detailed checking of it in case it was wrong, but it was nice to be so trusted.

    4/5
  • 6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?

    • I only really learnt Access and Excel and VBA that goes with it. Probably useful, but not so much for engineering.

    4/5

    The Company

  • 7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

    • I would have liked to be involved in more office banter earlier on. But that was mainly my fault due to social awkwardness on my part and not liking meeting new people.

    4/5
  • 8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?

    • The interview/sponsorship assessment centres were run like clockwork. You could tell they were very practised. However, starting was a nightmare, it took 6 weeks for my PC and software to be set up. There was no set project/work for me to do and tasks came infrequently. Some very good points, some very bad.

    3/5
  • 9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?

    • I (and all the other YINIs) went on a 5 day training course at a hotel, I had lots of networking opportunities and many site visits.

    5/5
  • 10. What were the perks on your work placement?

    • Subsidised Canteen

    Company Parties/Events
    5/5
  • 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?

    • I am sure I would get onto the graduate scheme, but it is likely I will not apply for it.

    5/5

    The Culture

  • 12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?

    • The steering group for my area of the business was very active in getting a good social atmosphere.

    5/5
  • 13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?

    • I stayed at home, and I don't really look at the cost of things so I don't know how much things are.

    3/5
  • 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?

    • I don't really like clubbing, though I am told it is average. Pubs and cinemas are fairly good, there are two multiplexes.

    3/5
  • 15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?

    • Lots of sports groups, social nights, volunteering and others.

    5/5
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Details

Placement (10 Months+)

West Midlands

July 2011

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