FCA Spring insight week Review

The week did exactly what I expected, gave us an insight into what it was like to work at the FCA and a detailed understanding of what it was they actually do there. I would have loved if we were given more opportunities to take part in some scenario tasks like the ones we would be dealing with on a day to day basis to get a real feel for the job, however we were given the opportunity to have a taste of this briefly.

We were constantly provided with both support and refreshments throughout the day before we should even need to ask for them. Daniel, Naivasha and Tammi went above and beyond to ensure we had everything we needed and above that, everybody we met working in the firm treated us as their colleagues with the upmost respect.

I give this a seven because we were given guidance and support however due to the lack of work we were given to do ourselves, there wasn't many opportunities to assist or support. The only task we done solely by ourselves was a presentation task where we weren't allowed a lot of guidance, however the team were always on hand to help wherever they could throughout the week.

I learned invaluable skills about the company which I couldn't have collected from sources such as their website, I have a detailed understanding of not only what the company do. But what they are looking for as a graduate employer. The competencies and skills I learned and developed throughout the week will benefit me greatly throughout both my degree and career.

The week included everything it needed to and every session was helpful. I give this an 8 due to the heavy first day. There was a mix throughout the week of interactive sessions and those that were data heavy and so took a bit of listening too. I believe it would have been more successful if these full on sessions were split up with the interactive ones to ensure everybody remains engaged.

Everybody was so welcoming and treated us like part of the team. Even down to the receptionist, whoever that lovely lady is deserves a promotion, she was absolutely beaming to see us every morning and really set me on a great path for the day.

We didn't really have much feedback throughout the week in terms of development however I must add that this was purely an insight week with 27 of us to handle and that wasn't the main objective of the week. Should there have been more time, I feel this would have been considered even though it wasn't necessary.

As mentioned previously we gained so much information about the company itself, the different divisions and what the teams get up to on a daily basis. I feel confident I could describe all of the areas in detail with a good understanding. I would have however enjoyed some hypothetical work to do in these areas.

The FCA are a consumer orientated company with their ethical values at the forefront of the work they do. This became clear immediately and the same tone followed throughout the week, with all speakers reiterating the same points of inclusion and diversity.

The whole experience was valuable, in showing me parts in which I would love to do day to day whilst also giving me a clear idea of things I wouldn't be so keen on.

I am going to be reimbursed for my travel costs up to £100.

This was such a strong point throughout the week, we met so many people from directors to the chairman and many division staff. Some of which, most of the employees don't see or haven't even met! It was a great opportunity. However due to having such a tight schedule, there wasn't much time to exchange contact details with many of the speakers.

Again, with the speakers we weren't given much time at the end of the presentations to connect. However the sessions created purely for networking did exactly that. We were given time to freely communicate with all of the staff in the area, learning about their day jobs and agreeing to keep in contact which was beneficial for us.

The FCA provides so many opportunities for their staff, including countless hours of volunteering with charities etc. Lots of different groups to join throughout the company Such as LGTB societies and Spanish clubs.

The insight week was beneficial for me in so many ways. I got a taste of what it would be like to work in the industry, what it would be like to work for the FCA specifically, the atmosphere of Canary Wharf. And the importance of starting your graduate search early.