Planning And Pricing Analyst Review

My time spent here at Volkswagen group has been invaluable, the stereotypical attributes you hear about at university (e.g. teamwork etc.) have been put to the test and I really feel like I have come out for the better. Working for a large company has lots of benefits and this made the year even more enjoyable. There have been good days and bad days but the good days have definitely outweighed the bad days.

I felt more than part of the team this year, at the start they let you find your feet at your own pace but when you have settled in they really make you feel valued due to the tasks and projects you get to work on. I have been asked to work on reports that go as high as the brand directors which does make you feel good.

This I believe is the most appealing part of working for Volkswagen Group. I have been given so much guidance from colleagues, fellow undergrads. I have also been sent on courses which have made me a more well rounded individual for example a course in public speaking. Everyone from day one made it clear that I should feel comfortable asking anyone anything which was reassuring.

The role I was in had serious peaks and troughs, on average it has been busy and even when I have a small workload I was encouraged to ask for more work in different areas to where I worked in to gain an improved commercial awareness.

As stated earlier I have been given lots of responsibility which is very satisfying because the work I was completing was making a difference.

Due to the nature of the work it will not assist me in my studies but for future graduate roles it will be invaluable, the year of office work has been completely different to anything I have experienced for and will hopefully make me stand out for graduate roles.

The atmosphere in the office made me enjoy my year here lots more. Everyone was very friendly and approachable making for a positive atmosphere.

This scheme was set up very well, from first phone interview to familiarisation day everything was done without fault. For the assessment centre we were put up in a hotel the night before and took us out for a meal which made me relax more for the next day. We were provided with a company car which was available to pick up on our first day which was useful. They also got us all together for a familiarisation day to meet each other and try to organise houses.

They invested in us like we were here for the long haul, the opportunities we got were no different to that of someone who has been here for years.

The graduate scheme is very appealing with even more benefits and an above average salary, they do want us to stay in the company after we graduate but understand if this isn't the career path we are looking for.

Yes there has been a good social scene between us all, we all live in our separate houses and plan activates as large groups which means there is always something to do. The scheme has 40+ people which puts it all into perspective.

The cost of living was more than I thought, due to MK being an up and coming city with good transport links the housing on the market goes so quickly. luckily me and my housemates found a 4 bed house for £1350 PCM which was pretty good. The one thing to remember is that we are not at uni anymore meaning that furnishing a house is a distinct possibility and won't come cheap. The cist of socialising was pretty standard, I am from Bristol and it wasn't a major difference from there.

Not great and that is generous. If you get a good group out anywhere can be fun but the actual range of nights is non existent meaning you end up in the same place all the time. The only positive is that you are close to London making that could be a distinct possibility.

Yes there is a wide variety of activities and socials to get involved with. At my peak I was playing golf once a week with the work club and playing football twice a week with different brands, if you put yourself out there, there is plenty of opportunities.