F&SS Purcahse Placement Review

I would rate the placement a 9, it was thoroughly enjoyable, with a variety of experiences and tasks being set. The Purchase team, role and wider Nissan community was all a great experience. I would recommend a placement at Nissan to anyone as a strong basis for career development and for how enjoyable it is.

I felt very valued by colleagues, roles and responsibilities are similar to those of other individuals, with highly important tasks being given to you. I have made numerous friendships at Nissan in addition, both in and outside of Purchase so the extent to which you are valued by colleagues is very high.

Asking questions and queries to management is never an issue, from the first day you are encouraged to ask questions whenever you need. Purchase management were perfectly approachable and happy to assist with any issues or queries which you had to raise. Any explanations of new projects was also equally supportive.

The placement kept me very busy for the most part, there were a few quieter weeks which are experienced but there was never times where you are sat with nothing to work on. Some weeks are incredibly busy with overtime being an option also if you wish to partake in it.

Key projects were given to me as the Purchase representative, including supplier site audits which I was allowed to attend on my own and perform commercial negotiations alongside engineering and material handling. This level of responsibility naturally increases from start to end as your knowledge grows and contacts within the business are increased.

Skills gained are going to be very beneficial through my degree and the placement is likely to take the basis of the work my dissertation is formulated from. Nissan has given me a strong basis for career development from with multiple soft skills gained that will assist in any role.

The atmosphere in the F&SS Purchase section was really enjoyable and was a great place to work. Involvement with other sections in the office due to the open plan nature also occurred and was a good atmosphere, but naturally the friendship level with colleagues was stronger in that of your close section.

The organization was mostly very good, at the very start it could have been a little smoother, along with the process for keeping me on, however through the placement itself Nissan's organization was not an issue at all. Some things can take a long time internally for approval which isn't the most organized but other than this it is great.

Training options were varied and available to us mostly, some options were limited to full time employees but the majority did not feel exclusive. I took part in a couple of trainings which added to my knowledge and skills while at the company and will be beneficial to take forward.

This is the first year where Placements now have to apply, be interviewed and present a powerpoint to be retained which is a little disappointing as it has always been a letter of intent previously, but has not put me off. The process is currently on going but I hope to be retained.

Purchasing had multiple nights-out and social events with the vast majority of people attending and a fantastic atmosphere at all the events. In regards to other placements, the set-up events were limited with only the awards night at the end (which was great however), but could be more at the start. The social side was still great but down to friendships more than Nissan.

Living costs are relatively low in the North East which helps while on placement, and I lived in Jesmond which is the student area and can be more expensive but certainly is affordable. With the area being a student one, you have the student life on your doorstep too and was made the most of.

As mentioned previously the area I lived in being a student one, you have the student life on your doorstep too with a street of bars being the main area in Jesmond. Newcastle itself is class for nightlife, would definitely recommend to anyone, sometimes can be a bit too tempting though!

Nissan has a great extra-work opportunities with two gyms on site and a sports and social club. I personally took part in the evening football which runs through the week and is a great chance to keep active, especially considering that the majority of your day is spent sat at your desk.