Customer Marketing Executive Review

I thoroughly enjoyed my placement here at Pernod Ricard UK. I was given much responsibility through out my year and both my line managers put great trust in me, which I felt very proud of. I have enjoyed the culture here and am very grateful to have this experience under my belt going into my last year at university.

I felt very much an integral part of the team in Customer Marketing. From day one, I was never made to feel like a spare part, they made me feel like an important part of the team. Not only did I feel valued by my team, but also the wider business, building great relationships with many colleagues from different areas of the company.

During my time here, I have had two different line managers, with very different management styles, but both give me a substantial amount of support. I had regular check ups and appraisals which give me updates of my progression, which I found very useful. Early on, my weaknesses were outlines and I was coached on how to better these, which was invaluable for my development.

As an intern, it is a common perception that you can be a spare part, but I never felt like this at Pernod Ricard. I was given lots of responsibility, which kept me busy most days. With my role, there were more busy times than others, some weeks may be extremely busy and other times may be more quiet.

The amount of responsibility I received was why I enjoyed my placement so much. During my first few months, I played more of a support role but when I found my feet, I was supported in leading my own projects and my manager(s) put great faith in me, which made me flourish within the business.

This year, I have developed many skills, which will help my massively going back to uni and in general life. I believe when I go back to uni, I will be more organised and productive. The main skill I have learnt this year is paying more attention to detail and this will help me at uni, especially when completing assignments. I have also learnt many corporate skills such as building professional relationships and email etiquette.

The atmosphere in the office was great. Pernod Ricard inflict a happy and upbeat feeling around the office, encouraging interlinking relationships with people from different areas of the business. In my first few months, I got the opportunity to go to Ireland for the company conference, which was a sign for good things to come.

The placement was very well structured. The recruitment process was thorough but well organised and during my placement, I found the scheme well organised. I never felt left in the blue about anything and always felt comfortable I knew where I stood. I felt as though it could have been better is all the interns started at the same time.

I felt as though the company have invested in me a lot. I had no corporate experience before coming into the role, but the company invested in my personality and my potential, which I am very grateful for. I feel as though Pernod Ricard have give me the foundations for a successful corporate career.

I am quite often asked if I would come back and although I would, I don't think there are enough opportunities to return. There are designated graduate positions, but they are only commercial roles, so not applicable for everyone. I believe Pernod Ricard should look to better there graduate opportunities across the business.

I have built many strong relationships with fellow placement students, there has been 11 of us and we have formed a strong bond, which has been nice. I have also built really strong relationships with my team and many people from around the business from different areas. Pernod Ricard really encourage this, which is a real positive.

The cost of living is really in London, I have struggles a lot with money this year BUT I dont see that too much of an issue as I am here for the experience and not being of the wage. The office is based on a really nice business park, which is great for socialising and eating lunch outside when sunny.

In Chiswick itself, there isn't much nightlife but being in London, the night life is just a tube journey away. In London, there is many places you can go for drink or a night out. Although it is quite expensive, especially for students, you are guaranteed a good night in London

There were a lot of opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work. Every Tuesday, I played football with colleagues and this is one of many activities they put on. Other include book club, running club and yoga. I think this really helps with wellness and can reduce mental health problems.