A Year at Lorax EPI: More Than Just a Placement
by Anaay Vora at 13:12 in Content

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Getting started:

I joined Lorax EPI in September as an Environmental Compliance Researcher for my placement year. Many of my friends described their placements as repetitive and unchallenging, with lots of admin work. However, my experience here couldn't have been more different. Lorax has given me opportunities to grow, learn and take responsibility.

When I first joined, the office was being renovated, therefore I spent my first 2 weeks working from home, which was not the easiest way to start my new role. However, I was well supported from the start. I had a buddy, and she was there to help me whenever I needed it. This made me feel more comfortable and settled me in well. When I stepped into the office for the first time, everyone was so welcoming. I have genuinely felt part of the team at Lorax and I have not just felt like an 'intern'.

Early Opportunities:

In just my 2nd week, I was given the opportunity to attend the Resource and Waste Management conference. Being asked to attend so early in my placement made me feel truly valued. I also supported a senior colleague at the Lorax stand and this made me understand how people interact in a business setting.

Working Across Different Teams:

As an environmental compliance researcher, I have been trusted to monitor and document legislation in over 80 countries on topics such as extended producer responsibility (EPR), single-use plastics, labelling and much more. I have also researched and updated compliance scheme documentation with fees, material categories and reporting dates.

However, during my placement, I wasn't just limited to the research team. One of the key purposes of a placement year is to gain as much exposure and experience as possible, and I was eager to make the most of it. Therefore, I volunteered to help other teams, which turned out to be incredibly rewarding.

I assisted the client delivery team with reporting, which strengthened my Excel and problem-solving skills. Furthermore, I also worked with the sales team. They gave me the opportunity to present an overview of the services that Lorax provides on a client sales call. This experience boosted my presenting skills and my confidence. Moreover, I got involved in consulting projects such as compliance assessments and fee modelling. This showed me how consultants manage client relationships and deliver projects.

Although I started out in the research team, my placement quickly evolved into a broader learning experience. By engaging with different teams and taking on varied tasks, I have gained a diverse skill set and a much deeper understanding of the business. I have genuinely grown and developed throughout my placement, and this wouldn't have been possible without the supportive environment at Lorax.

A Positive and Welcoming Workplace:

One thing I have noticed throughout my placement is the values and culture at Lorax. I have been taken care of throughout my placement- whether it's my manager checking in on me, colleagues offering help, or team socials, I always feel included and appreciated. Also, I have made great friends, and I always look forward to going into the office, not just for work but also to interact with my colleagues/friends. Unlike some workplaces that may feel stressful or overly competitive, Lorax has a positive and non-toxic work environment where people are genuinely willing to help each other.

Professional Growth:

Furthermore, this placement has given me a deeper understanding of how the working world operates. I have learnt the importance of professionalism, effective communication and time management. I have also gained a clearer understanding of workplace expectations, such as meeting deadlines, collaborating with different teams and adapting to different working styles. Finally, throughout the year, I have received constructive feedback (positive and developmental), which has helped me grow both personally and professionally.

Final reflections:

After spending the past year learning about the intricacies of EPR, particularly in relation to packaging, I have decided to focus my dissertation next year on packaging!

To anyone considering a placement year: if you get the chance to work at Lorax EPI, take it. It's more than a job. It's a place where you'll learn, thrive and be surrounded by people who want to see you succeed.

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