Sales Intern Review

I am currently 3 months into my placement at RCI and so far it has been an excellent experience. I have already developed a number of skills in my time here- particularly when it comes to using excel and organising my time. Everyone at RCI is extremely welcoming and approachable which really helped me settle in quickly.

I have already been made to feel like a valued member of the team, being included in various projects and reports and also in meetings/ on courses with both Nissan and Renault employees. Everyone is happy to help with whatever queries you may have and there are often activities taking place in the office that mean you interact with people from all departments.

My manager has been extremely supportive, explaining things when I need but also letting me work independently. The open plan office means that even if your manager isn't around to help, there's always someone close by that you can approach and they are always happy to help. Initially, I was given a lot of guidance but as my confidence levels have increased, this has reduced although I know that if I ever do need more guidance, the managers would be more than happy to help.

With the nature of the company, there are obviously some much busier times than others- the end of the quarter is a particularly busy time. Other times are slightly quieter although there is still always enough work to do to keep me occupied and ensure that the days don't drag! If there is ever an occasion where you are relatively quiet, the managers are always happy to give you some additional tasks to ensure that you have something to do and don't just sit there doing nothing!

Although I haven't completed the placement yet, I already feel that the level of responsibility I have been given has increased in the time I've been here. I have been given weekly reporting tasks to complete independently which makes me feel like a valued member of the team and that my work is valued. Having responsibilities just like any other member of the company really is one of the many things that makes the placement so enjoyable.

I believe that this placement will help me greatly when it comes to finishing my degree, not just because I have now seen how what I've learnt so far can be applied in practice, but also because it has helped me become more organised and get into a working routine that I can hopefully keep following in my final year! I have also improved my teamwork, communication and presenting skills which can only help me further when it comes to my studies.

The atmosphere is always positive and upbeat and the open planned office helps add to the friendly atmosphere. The company is always running various activities and events that people from all over the company can participate in which means there is always something fun going on which helps keep everyone positive!

As this is only the second year of placement students at RCI, it is still relatively new for them in terms of organising it. Having said that, it has been very well organised so far, providing us with training and an induction week that gave us an insight into the company and all aspects of it. It would have been nice to have had more of a crossover period with the previous interns however this has not really been an issue as there are plenty of people to help you settle in and get comfortable with the placement role.

The company has invested a great amount in the placement students, providing us with training opportunities and letting us experience various departments within the company if we wish to. During the induction period, we were introduced to people from all departments and given talks about what they do and why, All of this helped to get a real understanding of the company and what it does which subsequently made work easier as you know what impact the tasks you are carrying out will have on the company as a whole.

There is a Renault and Nissan graduate programme in addition to an RCI one which gives you an experience of all three companies. Despite having only been here for 3 months, I would have no hesitations about applying for the graduate programme. It is a great company that any graduate would be lucky to work for!

I would say so! There are always department lunches or events with colleagues that the placement students are always invited to and it's great having the other placement students around as we will often eat lunch together and sometimes go out for a few drinks after work on a Friday!

I am living at home and commuting so am not sure about the cost of living but I believe that due to Watford's close proximity to London, it is quite expensive. The commute from London is relatively expensive though. As Watford is not a student area and is very close to London, prices are relatively high, especially when compared to living costs at university!

I haven't yet been out in Watford so am unable to comment although it is only a 20 minute train ride into Euston meaning London and the nightlife there is in close proximity!

There are always activities going on like the weekly running club but also other events like the colour run and Halloween quiz. Having only been here for a quarter of the placement so far, I am sure that there will be plenty of more opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work in the near future!