NPD Buyer/Process Technologist Review
by Samworth Brothers
This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.
Rating
-
The Role
4.2
-
The Company
3.3
-
The Culture
2.6
- 1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?
- 2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?
- 3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?
- 4. How busy were you on a daily basis?
- 5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?
- 6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
- 7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?
- 8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?
- 9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
- 10. What were the perks on your work placement?
- 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?
- 12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?
- 13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?
- 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?
- 15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?
The Role
At first, it was a real challenge getting to know how things worked and who did what etc. But after a while it really does all fit into place, and it is the greatest feeling knowing you are making a realy difference to the company.
In my first placement, we were a really small, close team with a huge workload. The business was under a lot of pressure at the time and it really put the pressure on us. This made us grow even closer as a team, and I still keep in contact and go out with with everyone there now, 10 months after leaving. Despite the fact our ages were in the region of 60, 40, 30 and me at 20, it doesn't seem to matter when you are all pulling together to do your best.
The support network at Samworths is brilliant - my mentor was the production director at the second place I worked. They are always there for you if you need them, and have been doing this for a long time so they have heard it all before!
It depended on the day of the week, the month of the year and so many other variables, like many other jobs in the world. All I can say is that it was a real job, I was actually felt like I was contributing to the business and was never bored.
In my second placement I was covering maternity leave and working as an NPD Buyer, so I was responsible for purchasing all of the new ingredients coming into the business which is a huge responsibility.
I'm now back at university, where the maturity, organisation and people skills I gained while working are proving invaluable. It's also great to be able to talk about on graduate job applications.
The Company
There was quite a good social atmosphere between everybody, especially between everybody in the factory.
The selection process was relatively long, however Samworth Brothers have a specific team of people who manage the placement scheme who are all really great. As I said before, they have been doing it for a while and really know what they are dealing with.
I took my Basic Food Hygeine, however I didn't do any other formal qualifications.
Staff Sales/Staff Shop
As there are so many different businesses to experience, I'd love to go back.
The Culture
I lived with 3 other students who were also on placement so this was great.
Really reasonable (Leicester), the salary I received meant I was self sufficient and could pay my rent and petrol and still had plenty of spare income
Average...!
None offered
Details
Placement (10 Months+)
East Midlands
October 2011
