Nicole Matthews

GE Oil & Gas - 15 months

How did you secure your placement and what support did you receive from the University?

Firstly I found out about my placement when I used ratemyplacement.com. I found out more about the GE Worldwide business and immediately wanted to apply. The university were so helpful through this time, with CV sessions running weekly, mock applications and interviews also really helped me practice my skills. This was such a beneficial module in my the second year of the ITMB course.

What was the company called and could you give a brief description of your duties?

I completed my placement with GE (General Electric), which isn't immediately recognised by most young students, however this is because it is a worldwide company which deals within Oil & Gas, Healthcare, Transportation, Corporate, Capital, Power & Water , Digital and Aviation sectors.

I worked at GE Oil & Gas Newcastle which is based near Walker Riverside. I worked as an IT Intern within the Information Technology team. I was given projects to complete and also able to suggest any ideas that could simplify or save the business costs.

What was the duration of the placement?

15 Months.

What do you consider to be the most valuable part of your placement?

The most valuable part of my placement was being surrounded by such a diverse team that I could learn from. Working on so many different projects throughout my time at GE enabled me to meet colleagues not only from all over the country, but all over the world.

What advice would you give to others considering placement/study abroad?

My placement year completely changed me from a student to a young professional - it makes you mature and have a completely different mind set when you return back to university to complete your final year. I would recommend the right placement to anyone, it enables you so take things you have learnt throughout your education and put it to practice within the workplace.

What did you enjoy the most?

I enjoyed being part of huge and important projects from day one. There was an ERP implementation project in process when I first arrived at GE and to be able to see that being implemented and to be such a huge part of the projects success when I had to help with the Oracle training on site was an amazing/ eye-opening experience.

What did you do when you weren’t working/studying?

When I wasn't working and studying I was able to do so many different and fun things, as the salary enabled me to do this. Not only that but I got my driving license throughout the year I worked as I was able to afford all of the lessons and tests.

Who did you learn the most from during your placement?

My manager, my office and my mentor who wasn't based at my site - were so supportive and I learnt so much from them, and still have a good relationship with them now.

How did your placement contribute to your employability skills?

The experience I had working at GE was incredible, I have never learnt so much in such a small time period. The placement year definitely makes you more employable, and able to relate interviews questions to real business experiences within the university.

How did your placement contribute to your own personal development?

My placement made me a more confident student, able to present to large groups and my communication skills have improved massively. Time management is something you need - especially in your final year of your degree, and you also pick up these skills from completing a placement.

How did your placement  help you get a job?

Throughout my whole placement I got told about the amazing graduate scheme GE offers previous interns, the ITLP Scheme, which is the Information Technology Leadership Programme. It is a 2 year scheme with four six months rotations, within business or even cross functional rotations. The ITLP scheme needs you to be mobile, and travel as little or often as needed. You also do two Immersions 1 & 2 - which takes all of the ITLP's globally to Houston US & Budapest for first initial training, to network globally with other gradates and to enrol you into the University of Indiana to work towards a Masters Degree. As a stretch project throughout my internship I was head of recruitment for Oil & Gas interns which enabled me to travel the country and pitch the Internship and Graduate Scheme to students. By doing this throughout the year I sold it to myself, and managed to secure the ITLP scheme with GE Aviation business starting in July 2016. which I am extremely looking forward to.