This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.
Rating
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The Role
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The Company
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The Culture
- 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
You generally have to have a strong work ethic and be able to motivate yourself to enjoy this placement. I have enjoyed expanding my knowledge and skills. There are some difficult days, but it's all part of the development process.
The hours are very long meaning you end up spending a good part of 50 hours a week with your colleagues. Luckily for me I had the chance to work with some great people and build friendships as a result. The branch will have a "all in this together" mentality meaning we all leave when the job gets done.
You will have three mandatory Personal Development Meetings with your manager at month 3,6 and 12. This is where you go into detail analysing the skills you have/have gained and what you can do to improve. Good managers want you to do well and to keep you motivated so they will try their best to. I had three different managers during my year placement which gave me a chance to work with three different personalities - all of which showed me support and aided me in my development.
Working in one of the biggest branches in the area, we were generally really busy but this just made the day go faster. I personally don't enjoy work when there is nothing to do as the day drags on, but I did like the balance. On days you may be short staffed but it is mostly down to your managers' organisation as to whether the day goes smoothly.
The more you learn, the more responsibility you are given - saying that, it is also down to the employee to seek more responsibility. The managers I have had have been great at delegating duties such as invoice chasing and other admin work which keeps you in the loop of how the business works. The idea is that you take responsibility for your customers, underwriting and sales and you are held responsible for things that you do well and things you do not so well. I have also had the chance to organise the day which is a big responsibility.
It definitely allows you to develop in the four areas of business - marketing, finance, operations and HR. Other transferable skills such as sales, customer service and phone handling.
The Company
Even with the most diverse workforce, you all have a common goal and this creates a friendly atmosphere. You build friendships and have a lot of banter with your colleagues - including the managers! It is a fun and friendly environment.
Regular training days at head office throughout the year. A skills book which is given to you that you work through, showing you how to develop you skills and what skills you will need as you progress. The training team in head office are only a call/email away and are always prompt to help you with any problems.
Like I mentioned, regular training days, lunch meetings with managers to discuss progress, after work meetings where we order food and talk about the business as a branch. Both time and money is invested in developing the employees.
Financial Bonus
Company Parties/Events
The harder you work the easier it is for you to get promoted. As it is only internal promotion at Enterprise, it is very easy to get onto the next level (providing you have what it takes). My colleague who started at the same time as me was promoted to an Assistant Manager position within 10 months, so it was great to be able to see the process happening. I have been told by my area manager that they would love to have me back after my final year which is great to hear and does give you the piece of mind that you have a job ready for you after graduation as opposed to worrying about searching for jobs etc.
The Culture
They are all quite young and outgoing so always up for going out.
I was living at home and prices of things are quite similar to average UK prices.
There was only a pub down the road, but for most nights out we went into central London.
I did get emails when events were taking place and the opportunity to be a part of any I was interested in. I did do a day of caring where a group of employees volunteered at a conservation park so this was good to be a part of.
Details
Placement (10 Months+)
South East
September 2017