Strategic Projects and PMO Review

I really enjoyed my placement and the opportunities it presented. I have learnt invaluable skills to allow me to do better in my studies and in my future career. I enjoyed the balance it provided me with such as, leading and provide help on projects whilst also taking on a role with the intern committee.

I felt that I was valued by my colleagues at times. However, as my role was not sales or analytics based that I didn't get to interact with my team as much. I also felt that my team did not understand my job role and the tasks I had been working on.

My supervisor always ensured that I had weekly catch ups to ensure I could discuss any issues I may have. In addition, I had a learning/placement review every two weeks to review my goals and to work on any skills that needed improving. My manager also ensure that monthly workshops were provided to allow the team to understand the different parts of the business.

At the beginning of my placement my tasks were very basic. This was hit and miss throughout the first 6 months of my placement. After the company restructurer my workload became even less. However, once this had been completed and I was given a new supervisor I soon began to have a hectic and busy workload that I enjoyed.

I was given a certain level of responsibility during my year and had the opportunity to lead on a number of projects. This allowed me to gain invaluable skills and feel like my work was appreciated. However, I would have liked further responsibility to allow me to have worked alongside the leadership team.

I have gained a range of skills, have grown in confidence and have been able to gain first hand experience. Not only will this provide me with essential skills to complete my final year but it will allow me to excel in my career going forward. I am pleased to have completed this placement with a great company.

The general atmosphere was very friendly and open. It was great to have the leadership team sitting at normal desks and to not feel that they felt they had more authority than you. Although when the company restructurer took place this became a very depressed atmosphere. However, after this had settled you could really see a united workforce.

Due to my role being new it was very much a pilot role of is it really needed and how busy will they be. At times this was difficult and felt that I was being given work just to be kept busy however, after a few months once they knew what could be handed over the overall organisation of the role was very good. The placement programme itself could have been better with more structured workshops/external speakers.

Supervisors were given the task of developing their own intern and provide them with development opportunities. There were workshops hosted by the leadership team to discuss their story and their advice which was a nice addition to the year. Due to the lack of graduated opportunities outside of sales the company didn't invest much if this wasn't something you wanted to go into. However, saying that the development and support received from my supervisor and manager was fantastic.

There is no real graduate roles apart from sales which personally is something I do not wish to go in. However, there are early career opportunities that can arise but there isn't much information about this.

The interns at times felt like a cohort and regular monthly socials were organised. It was fantastic to have had 40 other interns completing their year alongside you and that you always had friends around.

Reading was expensive due to going to university in Leicester which is significantly cheaper. However, with the amount earned you were able to meet rent/bills and still have enough to spend for nights out or essentials.

The nightlife was good with 3 main clubs and plenty of bars. As it was a student city there was plenty to do during the evenings or weekends.

This wasn't something that was offered. But if this is something a student wanted to do it would have to be off their own initiative. I did volunteering at the weekends but this is something I found myself.