Finance/controlling student Review

I have enjoyed my time on placement at Faurecia. The colleagues I work with at the Washington plant are really helpful and friendly. I feel I have had the opportunity to grow and learn at my own pace.

I worked in quite a small team, therefore I was valued as quite and influential team member. I felt as if there was always a good team spirit around our department, we did not hesitate to ask each other for support. I think it allowed me to be more confident in my own ability and voice my own ideas/ opinions knowing my colleagues would appreciate them.

Whenever I felt out of my depth I could always rely on my managers to offer some guidance. I was usually provide with sufficient training before taking on a task.

I was set daily tasks that formed the bulk of my workload, then I would also have various jobs to carry out afterwards depending on the day.

The majority of my tasks were for internal purposes, however these then sat at various levels of importance throughout the company. There was times I was completing task for the plant manager to be displayed on their behalf.

I feel the majority of skills I have gained have been to conduct in a professional environment. I am pleased I have picked up on the opportunity to work with software system (SAP) the is used in many industries.

I found the office to be a really friendly environment, although people are focused on their work people are very proactive to socialise. We frequently had refreshments shared with the office colleagues (cakes for birthdays), Christmas events etc. There were plenty opportunities to engage with your workmates and develop friendships rather than work relationships.

The placement on the whole was well planned out. I always felt I knew what was going on and what was scheduled in the future.

I feel the training side of the company could be explored greater. I personally would have taken any and all opportunities offered to me throughout the year. I was well trained to execute my task but would have appreciated getting to know/ understand the larger picture the company.

The graduate scheme offer good points in that the company looks to fund you through a master degree, however the choice is highly restricted in terms of location of institute and course. There is also the opportunity to work abroad with in the company at another plant.

Yes there was a good social environment with other students, but I feel this was self inflicted. The social activities were mainly external from work.

I was lucky enough to live at home whilst on placement, so had a large cost saving there, but I feel the wage should be sufficient to have a good standard of living throughout the year

I was based in Washington which is only 10 minutes from Newcastle. Most of the students tend to live in Washington and commute from there. The nightlife in Newcastle in very good with there being a large student presence in the area.

There were on occasion football matches or night outs to get involved in but were very far and few between.