Supply Executive Review

I have thoroughly enjoyed my years placement at Volkswagen Group UK. The group has a brilliant friendly and helpful culture that allowed me to fit right in, I have been lucky enough to have numerous opportunities where I could demonstrate my skills, improve my professional network and gain more experience. I've loved my placement so much I have applied to return as a graduate and really hope that I am successful!

During my placement I have felt appreciated and valued, as well as not just being an 'undergraduate' but part of the team. After creating a new reporting suite for my team, that improved visibility, accessibility and reduced the time taken to create the report, I was recognised with an Award for efficiency by the Director of the brand as well as an award for being Nimble by the Head of Planning. Additionally, my manager has been brilliant throughout my year to include me in potential opportunities and express his gratitude when tasks have been completed.

I have been supported brilliantly throughout the year, with Managers in both my team and teams within the group helping, teaching and driving me forward. Additionally, a 'buddy' was provided whom is a Graduate or former-Graduate to support you through the year and answer any question you have. My Head of Business has also been incredibly helpful, friendly and supportive by scheduling catch ups to ensure I am happy with how my placement is going.

Depending on the role, your workload can change massively. For me, I have normally had a good level of work on a daily basis, with free periods to enhance my skills by improving the processes I currently do in my role. In any quiet spells, there is always someone that will need your help so being quite is definitely not an issue! September and March is always a busy time of the year, with the end of the month picking up speed too.

I was lucky enough during my placement to be given a lot of responsibility. On a number of occasions I had to represent the brand to external agencies that we used, feedback, give suggestions and agree actions to take. This allowed me excellent opportunities to network with Head of Business, Sales Managers and owners from a number of dealers in the network.

The skills I have learned and the people I have met will benefit me greatly once graduating. I have been able to develop a wide range of skills that I can transfer and use in future positions. Most of what I have learned is all practical, and will not really assist me in my final year of University. I don't believe this to be a negative, as a placement is there to gain experience in the work place, not to learn theory.

Within my brand, the atmosphere was brilliant. It was a very friendly and lively atmosphere where everyone in the brand knew each other. This allowed me to improve my relationship with a number of colleagues that I would talk to on a regular basis. Month end meetings were also held by the director where a 'treat 'was provided for working hard. This ranged from pastries, to scones, bacon sandwiches and even a giant chocolate fountain!

The company has a brilliant scheme set up that works every year! You get training to start with to learn about the products, departments, benefits and what the company is. You can also apply to join additional training including Excel or Commercial awareness. I have had weekly catch-ups with my manager to raise any issues, and you will get 2 reviews to officially tell you how you are doing.

I believe the company invested a lot in me because; they entrusted me with the responsibility to represent my brand, Head of Businesses took time out to talk, I was provided thorough training and experience and support was always available! All these allowed me to grow as a person and develop my skills that I will be able to use in my career and the experienced gained will help me in applying for Graduate roles.

Volkswagen Group UK is a brilliant company to work for and I have applied for a Graduate position. The companies culture pushes people to experience different aspects of the group by moving roles to a number of different positions during your career. It is hard to gain employment to the group from an external perspective, but once in the job opportunities are brilliant.

Normally, 40 undergraduates are hired per year that quickly become acquainted and friends. At the beginning of the placement there was a busy social scene on weekends and weekly football matched while everyone tried to get to know each other. It did die down throughout the year, as a lot of people went home or visited friends on a weekend. This is all down to who you are with and how much of an effort you make!

Unfortunately, because Milton Keynes is so close to London it is quite expensive! Most undergraduates paid around £350-£450 per month for rent + bills plus £85 for the company car. There is plenty to socialise around Milton Keynes, however most of it does come with a cost! London is only 30 minutes away on the train and there is an indoor ski slope, go karting, golf and indoor skydiving.

The nightlife is pretty average, with plenty of bars and restaurants to have food and drinks in but the club scene is limited. Lots of people go into London for the nightlife as trains run throughout the night. All the bars are close together however so it is easy to move from place to place if you like a change of scenery!

Depending on your preference of activity and you skills to network, there is always something to do. I played football weekly with Audi and Volkswagen as well as with the rest of the undergraduates. SEAT holds a monthly social event including Curry nights or a night at the dog races. Additionally there are plenty of pub quizzes, golf, football, rowing and tennis clubs that you could join.