Operations Management Placement Review

I thoroughly enjoyed my year in industry at Nissan UK. I have been given a level of responsibility well beyond my expectations which has enabled me to develop and enhance my skills. I would highly recommend applying to Nissan UK for a placement as the skills I have learnt I can be apply to and look back on well beyond my placement year. Similarly, the people I have met have made it so easy and extremely enjoyable.

At Nissan UK, you really feel part of the team as the responsibility you are given highlights the value you have to the team. The people in my team made it so easy at the beginning and are always available if you need help. The work environment at Nissan makes you forget you're a placement as you feel a fully fledged member of the team.

The support I had from the very beginning has been first class. My mentor was extremely helpful in teaching me the role but also just the basics e.g. where everything is. He is always available for a chat or if I have a question. The management in my section in Production Control has also been fantastic with the support I have been given makes me feel truly valued.

The day to day tasks in Parts Control varies. You are never bored, there are always something that requires completing. Similarly, you are not doing normal work experience tasks - you are given a proper role with actual tasks that require doing. At times you can feel there is a lot that needs doing but I never felt overloaded or stressed and if I needed help, it was always available.

The responsibility on offer at Nissan UK is unique. I was given 6 suppliers to manage their operations on a daily basis. You have your own work to complete and own deadlines. Additionally, I had the opportunity to take on additional projects to help improve processes and systems at Nissan UK providing me with great experience and skills which I can look back on.

The skills I have developed and enhanced will stay with me for the rest of my career. Additionally, these skills are transferable to my academic studies - not only have I developed my competencies but I also now have real life business experience (getting into a routine, organization and prioritization) which will be essential for when it comes to my dissertation and final year at University

The placement was extremely well set up - my mentor contacted me prior to my start date with a Placement pack for Nissan UK with general information and Q+A. Similarly, when I started you have 3 day induction to learn the basics and get to know other placements before starting which is extremely beneficial.

The future prospects are very appealing at Nissan UK - the fact you have done a placement year with them does not go unnoticed when it comes to applying for a graduate job. By doing a placement year, definitely puts your foot in the door when it comes to future job prospects.

I met some really good placement friends who I will definitely stay in touch with after our placement finishes. Every placement was really easy going and are all definitely keen for doing social events outside of work. I went out most weekends for food/ drinks/ nights out with the placements.

Nissan UK is situated in Sunderland and even though I did not live there myself, I have friends who did who informed me that the cost of living was extremely cheap. I also went on work nights out there and the area was extremely cheap for this which was great.

There are numerous activities to get involved with after work. There is a health and social club whereby people have set up little football matches after work where anyone can attend. Additionally there are two gyms onsite available for a subsidized fee. Lastly, social events in your team are a normal thing and a great team bonding opportunity.