This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.
Rating
-
The Role
-
The Company
-
The Culture
- 1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?
- 2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?
- 3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?
- 4. How busy were you on a daily basis?
- 5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?
- 6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
- 7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?
- 8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?
- 9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
- 10. What were the perks on your work placement?
- 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?
- 12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?
- 13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?
- 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?
- 15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?
The Role
I doubt there are many placements that will give a better experience of what it is like to work for a truly global company. The perks of the job are fantastic and the fact there are plenty of other placement students means that there is also a great social side to the placement.
Everyone at VW Group is very approachable and helpful. They treat you with respect and believe in you to do a good job.
They ensure that you always have someone to turn to for help. They arrange a handover period to assist in the early stages as well as ensure you get training in key areas. They will test you and push you but only in a way that benefits your development.
Most days were very busy but not overwhelming. Often the job will have busier periods in the month, followed by less busy periods in which you can take up your own projects or get involved in helping other departments.
The role provides insight to many others in the company. Without completion of my role, others would not be able to do their work. Therefore, a lot of responsibility is given to undergraduates from an early stage but help is always there if required.
There are vast amounts of training given both mandatory and also by request. You can develop skills purely for your role or choose others that interest you. The skills you learn will certainly aid you in later life.
The Company
The atmosphere in the office is very good. There are 5 brands and also different functions that work in the office and each has there own personality and unique feeling. Working within Skoda I have found the atmosphere very welcoming.
From the first day, everything was in place and I knew what I was doing and when I needed to do it. The HR team are very organised and made sure everything ran smoothly
The company provides, and will provide, any training or development that you need. I've found many of the course very useful for both my job and future life.
Subsidised Canteen
Company Car
Subsidised/Company Gym
Company Parties/Events
Above 25 days holiday
There is a great graduate programme at the company. Having done the placement it puts you in good stead to show some of the skills you have leant in order to get on the scheme. Failing that, there are so many varying roles within VW Group UK as well as abroad that you could continue your career
The Culture
The social scene is fantastic. I found nearly all the other undergrads to be very like-minded and you will make friends throughout the year that you will definitely see in your final year of uni and beyond
Cost of living is fine given that you are earning a wage and living in a location close to London and numerous airports. £80 p/w + bills can get you a nice house and everything is within driving distance to work.
There are limited clubs but there are lots of bars and the nightlife at the weekends is good. You also have the option of going to London of the train for a night out instead
There are so many opportunities and by having a company car it encourages you to use it. 5 a side football, tennis, gym. there are loads of facilities and things to get involved with
Details
Placement (10 Months+)
South East
July 2016