Digital Owner Services Specialist Review

I enjoyed my placement as it gave an insight into the real working world. Most of which i was unfamiliar with. It has given me a good grounding of what to expect when I apply for a graduate role. I thought the tasks I was given where of high businesses value and not just small adhoc tasks for other employees.

I felt valued by my colleagues as i was an important member of the team. They would always come to me for advice when they was unsure of the task in hand. They recognised that i had a good understanding of my role and trusted that i would know how to go around specific problems faced.

I was always given support by my manager/supervisor. At any point i could contact them via Skype or go over to their desk and they would try help me the best they could. Either explaining the task again or giving me contacts that would help me find answers to customers queries.

I was always fairly hectic. I would receive at least 60 emails per day if not more. I have to always monitor changes in tickets raised by Opel Countries. Similarly i had to work to a release schedule. This meant getting all aspects of the new website update ready for its monthly upgrade.

I was given a lot of responsibility during my placement year. It included over seeing GDPR changes. If these where not done correctly it can result in the company being sued millions. I also led other projects that needed me to co-ordinate with many stakeholders. I felt like i was given the responsibility of any other employee and not treated as an undergraduate.

My skills developed to a certain degree. However the role at Vauxhall wasn't specifically tailored to my course. I have however managed to work on other key competencies that will benefit me in the future. The training that we got in areas such as Safe driver, Respect and Dignity and Presentation skills will similarly help in future employment.

We would occasionally go out for lunch which was always a good time. My office was made up of a lot of undergraduates and apprentices, meaning they where similar ages. I felt i could get on with them well and regularly have a laugh.

The placement was well organised. Most of the information came at the start / before we arrived. This would be sent out via email e.g open days, house hunting days and a chance to meet other undergraduates starting at the same time. Emails where clear and we could always reply with questions.

It would have been good to do an external marketing course with the CIM. However due to the merge of Opel/Vauxhall and PSA this has caused a few set backs and not been possible. There is no other development opportunities or personal training available other than e.g internal presentation course.

I feel like the future is looking brighter. Especially with PSA taking over they seem to be getting Vauxhall back into profit. Hopefully with this will come more company perks and greater opportunities for travel and self development. Although i was a part of an exciting time i believe the future will get better.

Yes there are a few organised events. I believe there could be more. Majority are at the beginning of the first two weeks during handover period. Although i mainly stuck to just socialising with my house mates rather than all other undergraduates due to how many there was. There inst much to do in Luton either which can be tricky.

Our rent was cheap. However that was because we searched around for a while. The surrounding area isn't great but cost of living and socialising isn't anymore than a typical university house/halls. Really close to London with cheap train tickets which helps. Student loan will help with living also as you can receive that even when on placement year.

No real night clubs. A few dodgy pubs potentially, however if you wanted to go out then London would be your best option. Possible to make it there and back on a work night. Although you'd be tired the next day. Otherwise i wouldn't recommend walking around Luton at night looking for things to do.

There was many opportunities. We can apply for CSR days which meant we would have a day off from working helping the local community. Also some other undergraduates I know working in fleet got to go to automotive events where they would man the Vauxhall stand and represent them for the day.