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Higherin
Network Rail

Strategy, Planning & Analysis Review

at Network Rail

Placement (10 Months+)

Business Management

Cardiff

Review Submitted: May 2025

Overall Rating

4.1 /5

The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!

4/5 - Overview of Role
4/5 - Skills Development
4.5/5 - Support and Guidance
3.5/5 - Company Culture
4.5/5 - Overall Experience
5/5 - Future Career Prospects

Overview of Role

Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis.
Checking emails and teams for any tasks given. Weekly meeting with your placement manager (buddy). Networking with colleagues through tasks and supporting on various projects. Work is given ad-hoc and responsibilities are minimal. Work involves analysis, data-entry, and supporting projects.
Were you given much responsibility during your placement / internship?
There was very little responsibility given to me. Only towards the end of a rotation where I had specialised and grew into the position, my responsibility grew as I began to manage and mentor staff. Expectations on myself were on the lower side.
Please rate how meaningful the work you were doing was
4/5

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills, or developed your existing skills?
Developed stakeholder management skills working with a range of colleagues across the business. Improved my analysis skills (quantitative and qualitative). Learned how to manage time accordingly and be confident in work submitted to drive new work. Learned how to navigate through change and uncertainty through strategic thinking.
How would you rate the training provided during your experience?
3/5
How would you rate your development of industry-specific skills during the experience?
4/5
How would you rate your development of personal / soft skills during the experience?
5/5
Please rate how these skills have helped you in your career development
4/5

Support and Guidance

How much support and guidance did you receive during your placement / internship?
There is a strong informal support and guidance mechanism in the placement through the network of colleagues. This leads to informal mentorship where most of the learning can be internalised through meaningful discussions. There is constant guidance on the tasks given. However, formal support mechanisms lag behind its direct competitors and within the industry.
How would you rate the support and guidance from your line manager?
5/5
How would you rate the support and guidance from the wider team?
4/5

Company Culture

What was the company culture and general atmosphere like?
Colleagues are extremely friendly and always happy to answer questions and have conversations about yourself and them. The company culture is excellent, focusing on employee well-being. I never felt out of place and always felt comfortable to speak with people of all levels. From direct colleagues to senior leaders.
How would you rate the inclusiveness of the culture?
5/5
How would you rate the social opportunities?
1/5
How would you rate the diversity initiatives?
4/5
How would you rate the charity, sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives?
4/5

Overall Experience

To what extent did you enjoy your placement / internship?
I enjoyed the placement very well. There is a lot of room for improvement, however, I made the most of my connections I built and this has lead to meaningful rotations, learning experiences, and meaningful tasks. I had the chance to experience a wide range from front-line work to office work. The range of people I met were great and united in Network Rail.
Please rate your level of enjoyment on your placement / internship
5/5
Please rate how your experience met your expectations
4/5

Future Career Prospects

Please rate the future employment prospects at Network Rail
5/5

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend Network Rail to a friend?
Yes
What advice would you give to others applying to Network Rail
Don't be afraid to speak up on anything you feel. Be confident to speak with colleagues as many have been in the company for years. Be proactive and build meaningful connections early. Take the chance to speak to people about their role, and ask many questions about the company. Never hesitate to challenge or criticise ways of working.
In This Review
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