Student - Project Sanctions Review

Generally I was kept busy and the work I was doing I found very interesting. Though the process of my work is similar, the projects I was sanctioning were always different, and it allowed me to learn a wide range of processes involved with these projects. I also had a few managers and they kept on giving me different types of work for me to do, which meant that I was never bored and was continuously stretched.

The team I was working with were always very friendly and it's easy to get on with a lot of them. I know the work I was doing was important because I was given deadlines and told why it was necessary to complete it, so I know I was helping out the rest of my team.

I had a line manager who made sure I kept track with all of my personal objectives, and that allowed me to know what I needed to do to develop further. However, I had a few other managers who gave me work to do - all different and varied from each other. I could always go to them if I needed help on any of the work I was doing for them, and they're always happy to help.

As I had 3 managers who gave me work, there's hardly a day when I wasn't busy. If I didn't have much to do I could always g up to one of them to give me some work. Occasionally there were times when I was given some tedious tasks, but it wasn't the majority of my placement.

Some of the work I was doing was very important and I was contributing a lot. The sanction papers are always important to some degree and it is necessary to get it right. Presenting the papers to the committee was also a rare opportunity, and usually done by my manager.

I think it's difficult to see how much of this placement will contribute towards my degree in terms of content. But in terms of time management and organisation I believe it should contribute a lot, especially since when you're at work you're conditoned to work 8 hour shifts, so it's easy to carry that on through to university. I think the main benefits of this placement though will come when I've left unviersity and get a job, because I would have had a year's experience more than most of the other graduates, and that gives me a huge advanatge.

Our team were always very fun to be with, and it was much more relaxed than I had aniticapted!

The first few weeks were very slow, as it took them a while for them to sort out my account, ID and give me work etc. However this changed relatively quickly and I was soon given work to do. It's also worth mentioning that HR have reviewed this process and have changed things for next year's students, so it ought to be better.

They gave a four day development course for all placement students near the start, hich was very usefu and fun to attend. They also have a group called Newnet, who organise trips and talks that will develop your learning further. Then there were separate talks and courses that anyone can attend, as long as you can prove the benefits to your line manager. Pretty much faultless!

I've got a sponsorship with them meaning I'll get into an early Grad Assessment centre, and will greatly improve my chances of getting onto the Grad Scheme.

There were about 10 placements within Warwick National Grid, and I have made some amazing friends with some of them. Its worth noting that Warwick is where the majority of students, grads, interns and Power Acadamy students are based, so the socal scene far exceeds that of other areas.

I got a student accommadtion on Russell Terrace for £320 a month, which was quite a good deal. Most people at Warwick live in Leamington, which can be quite expensive, but loads of students and so some cheap-ish areas. In terms of socialising there were a quite few of cheap pubs, clubs and bars.

There were a fair few bars which were pretty good in Leamington. In terms of clubs there was only really only two to go to, and depending on the night you went, only one of them would be good. To be fair with the right people any night can always be a fun night!

There are quite a few volunteering opportunities as well as some sport activites as well. I'm part of the National Grid football league, where teams of 7 aside compete.