Commercial Sales Review

I very much enjoyed my 12 months placement. I gained vital industry experience which has left me with an eye-opener to the automotive industry. As well as developing my interpersonal skills, I was able to communicate with various hierarchical members internally and externally.

I felt I had a lot of responsibility given to me which helped me stay pro-active and learn more about the organisation and the industry. I had many tasks which colleagues were dependant on myself for them to be completed which they could retrieve information from. I felt as one of the team members from straight off starting my placement as I was introduced to each colleague I would be dealing with on a day-to-day basis.

Although my manager travelled frequently, they always spared time to communicate with me to see if everything is going ok. When tasks occurred which I may not have previously come across, it would good to see that management were there for support and guidance if needed. Although my team which I worked in was small, there was always someone available to speak to for help.

On a day-to-day basis, there are regular tasks which need to be completed as well as having set documents and procedures which occur in a set timely manner. However, there were days which I feel I could have taken on more work as it felt I was waiting on other colleagues within the organisation to get back to me with information. Whilst this was happening, I feel I could have been given more work to use all the time effectively within the placement.

I feel I had a lot of responsibility within my placement which grew over the months. I was responsible for updating many components within the business and I could understand which the effect would be if it was not done correctly. As well as creating a new file which will now be used throughout the customer business unit, I had a lot of projects which you can show your skills and have effective they are.

I believe the skills I learn will help me persue a stronger career and achieve the goals I would like. This includes being a stronger candidate for future roles and also, using my interpersonal skills which I have developed in my final year at university.

On a day-to-day basis, there was not many colleagues in at one time which allows you to concentrate more of tasks. However, the office environment was very welcoming and friendly. There were regular office meals and outings which allow you to understand and acknowledge what roles the other office members do.

At the beginning of the placement, I was given a student handover which was very effective as I learn a lot of the processes which I would be doing. On the other hand, I believe more frequent communication regarding the placement needs to be involved with the manager as this allows both parties to understand how everything is going along with what can be done to allow the student to gain the most of the placement.

Starting my placement, I was given a handover by the previous student which covered all the processes and tasks I would be doing. I believe there are many training sessions which take place covering from the likes of Excel to internal programs if one is struggling with them. There are regular workshop meeting that take place to discuss problems that may have occurred. This allows individuals to put across their input in case they believe more training needs to be provided.

There are schemes available to re-apply after graduation known as a VIE scheme, however for regular graduate jobs, there has not been much clear communication given to as per which roles are actually available as a graduate.

As I work in the office, there is only one of student. However this did not take away the fact of going out with the rest of the office members which was just as good and enjoyable.

The office I worked in was a 10 minute drive from my home. This allowed me to stay at home and travel to work which was ideal for myself.

The office is not particularly based in a strong nightlife area. Although there is a town centre 15 minutes away, it's not the best for the younger generation.

There was no mention of a clubs or activities.