Placements That Exceed Expectations: Students Reflect on a Year with Atlas Copco
From lecture halls to global offices
The Atlas Copco Group is always on the lookout for new talent – we understand that our future success depends on it! Every year, we accept several year-in-industry students across our different businesses for a one-year work placement. The students get the opportunity to fully integrate into the business and work on real projects that will help create a better tomorrow. As the students are approaching the end of their placement and are preparing to go back to university, we wanted to take the opportunity to hear about their experiences working for the Atlas Copco Group. Continue reading to find out what they had to say about their last 12 months.
We begin our conversation with Joe, who spent his placement year as a Marketing Intelligence Analyst, to find out what he had to say about his time at the business. “I’d say the thing I have enjoyed the most is working with a variety of different people and learning more about what they all do. Just being in the office around different teams makes you realise how different people’s day to day lives vary.”
Jessica, Marketing Communications Assistant added: “I could list a great many things, but what stands out to me is being given proper responsibilities from day one, being an integral part of the business, as well as meeting so many inspiring people and working on projects that have impacted the business in a positive way.”
We asked Jess what skills she has gained that she can bring back to her final year of university, and beyond. “Time management and working to deadlines are big ones I think I've really harnessed over the year. Networking is also something I hadn’t had to do much of before this year so my confidence with that has really grown as it has been a huge part of my role here at Atlas Copco.”
Going into a placement year, it can be difficult to know what to expect from your time away from lecture halls and libraries. Not knowing if you will get the opportunity to do any meaningful work can be a cause of anxiety before your first day in the office. Nicholas, who spent his year working in Logistics, shared his thoughts on his placement year. “My placement has exceeded expectations. I have been able to speak to so many cool people from around the world within the company, which I didn’t think I would have been able to do, especially so early into my placement.”
Lucas spent the year working as a Data Intelligence Analyst, we asked him if the placement lived up to his expectations. “I think it exceeded expectations! This is the first role I have had working in an office environment, but I’ve been given so much responsibility that has made me feel like a really valued member of the team.”
For any students reading this interview and thinking about going into a placement year, we asked Rachel what advice she would give having completed her placement year. “Be proactive and try to pick up as many opportunities and new experiences as you can. This is the year to branch out from your current skillset and discover your interests within the industry. The year goes by quickly so make sure you get the best out of it!”
We’d like to thank all this year’s placement students across the Group for their energy and enthusiasm they’ve brought to the business over the past 12 months and wish them all the best for their final year at university. Hopefully, we’ll see you again soon!