My placement year with the Department of Education

I'm currently doing a placement, as part of the Government Social Research Sandwich year programme with the Department of Education. I am working as a social researcher, where I am primarily finding data on projects that are focused on the wellbeing and mental health of children and young people. 

So far, the placement has been interesting as I am working from home due to the global pandemics, so it has been different and can make working in an completely new environment difficult. However, I have already picked up skills and connections through networking that will be useful in the future and have learnt a lot about the civil service as a whole. 

For anyone wanting to undertake a placement, my advice would be don't be afraid to ask questions. It is very different to university, so there will be things you don't understand but that's not to say your skills and insight aren't valued. Make sure to speak on your thoughts and opinions to really make your mark on the job.