Sales Development Executive Review

I struggle to think of ways I could have improved my year's experience at Volkswagen Group UK. I was lucky enough to get involved in a countless number of activities, spanning from cross department projects to representing Volkswagen UK during the launch of the new Tiguan in Portugal - giving me the confidence to make the absolute most out of every opportunity - now and in future roles.

From day one I felt as though I was part of the team - no one was too busy to answer any questions I had, no matter how small, and I hope that throughout the year I became just as approachable to my colleagues. Various feedback opportunities gave me an insight into the extent to which the team valued my work - and my manager in particular was great at letting me know when I did a good job.

My manager made it clear from the beginning that she was always more than happy to answer any questions I had, and would not hesitate to sit down with me if I needed support or guidance in particular areas of the job. In several instances I was tasked with something far beyond my remit - and before I could ask, she let me know that she was there to support with any areas of the project I didn't understand. Throughout the year, there wasn't a time when I felt I couldn't approach my manager for help.

My workload increased as my knowledge of the business and job role expanded; but it was never too much to cope with. There were definitely busier periods such as month, quarter and year end, particularly in September and March - but it wasn't anything I couldn't handle, especially when I had the support of my team around me.

Similarly to my workload, as my knowledge of the business and job role increased, I was given more responsibilities. By the end of the year I was managing several projects with external agencies, as well as being the key contact for a number of different projects. I always knew that if I wanted support and help that my manager would be more than willing to step in - however her encouragement enabled me to have the confidence to make impactful decisions by myself.

Not only have I gained an insight into how an international business operates on a day to day basis - which will be invaluable during my final year of studying Business and Management, but my confidence and interpersonal skills have developed in ways I'd have never expected. My experience at Volkswagen has improved my ability to take responsibility and effectively communicate; competencies that I believe will not only assist in completing my degree to a higher standard, but will ensure I'm a strong candidate for jobs I apply for in the future.

Within Volkswagen Group UK, there are 5 different brands; each with their own culture and atmosphere. One common trait found in all brands, and especially within Volkswagen Passenger Cars where I spent my year, is an enthusiasm and passion for the work we do as a brand. Being in a fast paced department such as Sales Operations, there were always plenty of different things going on - but every team member strived to finish their tasks to the very best of their ability, every time, taking pride in the final outcome. I felt proud to work for Volkswagen, and I think everyone in the office shared the same opinion.

We were constantly encouraged to pursue personal development - whether it was to develop important business skills such as Excel and PowerPoint, or to attend courses that we'd chosen ourselves, the company consistently communicated that these opportunities were available to me. In terms of my own development, I was encouraged by my manager to learn more about other departments I was interested in, whether this involved getting involved with cross-department projects or attending events, any costs or additional time spent on teaching me was not an issue.

Everyone in the office wants to be at work - and this is an organisational trait that really appeals to me. I'd happily return to the company, whether this was via the graduate scheme or in a permanent job role, and all the undergraduates were encouraged to apply again if this was something that suited them. With 5 brands under one roof, Volkswagen Group also offer the opportunity for it's employees to move horizontally as opposed to vertically - giving you the chance to gain experience in a number of different departments and brands if this is the path you choose to take. As I've had such a great experience in the brand, I've since secured myself a job with one of the dealerships during my final year of university - which will give me an insight into how the network operates, and will hopefully be invaluable if I chose to return to head office.

With 40 undergraduates on the scheme, there was plenty of opportunity to socialise with colleagues our age - and with the majority of our houses located near the city centre, we didn't struggle to meet up outside of work. London is only a short train journey away if you're looking for a wider variety of places to visit, but there's plenty of bars and restaurants in Milton Keynes where you can get together after work or on a weekend. I was lucky to be part of a team that enjoyed social events. We ensured we took the time to get to know each other on a personal level - whether this was going for a team lunch or holding department away days which included dinner, drinks, and the opportunity to get to know colleagues you didn't work with on a day to day basis.

Depending on your location, the renting prices in Milton Keynes were quite standard - nothing unaffordable but not quite as cheap as some university houses might be around the country; however whilst you're working and earning more this wasn't an issue in the slightest. There were plenty of supermarkets in a close proximity so you could pick and choose which ones you wanted to visit. The Hub, a cluster of restaurants and bars in the centre of MK has a range of bars/restaurants from Wetherspoons to Browns - there's definitely something for everyone. Travel into London for the day was also very cheap - a great place to visit on a weekend at a reasonably low cost.

Milton Keynes nightlife wasn't brilliant if you're looking for clubs - there's probably two that the undergraduates visited only a couple of times throughout the year. It does however offer a wide selection of bars and restaurants, so if it's cocktails, after work drinks or a less wild night out that you're looking for, then the Hub is ideal. London is reasonably close and quite cheap to get to if you want to experience the nightlife in a bigger city, which was something we did on a regular basis - and if it's a late one during the week, trains run until late so you'll have enough time to get there and back, have a good night and still get up for work in the morning!