Network Strategy Assistant Review

I truly enjoyed every day of my placement. Every day was different and filled with various opportunities I could learn from. Due to the diversity and dynamics of the automotive environment, I learnt from every situation which enhanced my knowledge and further developed my existing set of skills and added various new ones.

I had the BEST team EVER! From day one I was warmly welcomed by everyone. Throughout my year I received a great level support, encouragement, mentorship and help. My work was greatly valued and I was lifted up for every achievement of mine, from the smallest tasks to the bigger tasks, one of which was launching the Dealer Balance Scorecard. When it comes to my team, they are not just my team, but they are my family and I will forever keep them in my heart.

Throughout my time at Nissan I had the chance to work with two different line-managers. Both of them were highly invested into my further development and they ensured I have been given enough guidance and support when it came to delivering results from the projects I have been given. Moreover, as a result of working with these two individuals I had the opportunity to learn from their management and leadership styles.

At Nissan no day is the same. Due to the fast-paced environment the dynamics of my business were different. Some days were busier where I had to focus on an ad-hoc projects or requests given by senior management team which were priority. Other days, I had to simultaneously manage my daily tasks such as running reports but also carry tasks given to me by the team.

Throughout my placement year I was given great amount of responsibility. From day one, I was given various projects to work on with great level of responsibility. I was trusted to design and deliver a business proposal to the board of directors in relation to bringing a Dealer Performance Tool being built externally by an agency to being brought in-house. I had the opportunity to work cross-functionally with various departments across the organization and align the proposed methodology with them. By the end of the project I had the chance to present the proposal to the board of directors and gain approval.

Throughout every project I worked on I gained various skills which had allowed me to grow both personally and professionally. I have developed my teamwork, problem-solving, communication as well as analytical skills. I developed strong Microsoft Office skills due to the nature of my role which required me to work with large quantities of data on a daily basis. My role enhanced my curiously to challenge process in place and find a creative ways of automating existing reports, which as a result made decision-making quicker. Moreover, I elevated my presentation skills which enhanced my confidence and also further developed my attention to detail.

The general atmosphere in the office is very vibrant. There is always something going on and a chance to get involved in various activities. We have Days for Change where you can volunteer in local charities. Moreover, the company ensures we have monthly sports socials which facilitates our cross-functional communication outside of office hours.

The program was well organized and allowed me to gain a very holistic view of the whole business. I was lucky as I was placed in a very diverse department dealing with dealers but also building strategy plans. I gained understanding on so many levels of how the business operates.

I would say not as much as I would have expected. I received a limited training in Microsoft Office during my induction week and I wish I was given more tailored training according to my role and my day to day responsibilities. Fortunately, I had an incredible team who ensured I have the needed training and truly invested time and effort in me.

The organization has a graduate scheme (as well as fast track,if you are already a placement student in the organization) which is the natural progression if you would like to continue your career in the automotive industry or at Nissan. Apart from this, unfortunately, there aren't many opportunities for progression from a placement student point of stand.

My social cycle at work was my team as well as friends I made across the organization, which I am utterly grateful I had the chance to know and for them to be part of my life. The fellow placement students, were not the right fit for me when it come to people I would want to surround myself with. However, this is personal choice and preference.

The company is based in Maple Cross which is just down the road from Rickmansworth train station, which is on the metropolitan line. I was based in Watford, which was much cheaper when it came to rent and living. Travel costs were not as expensive either as I decided to take the bus to work. I invested into a annual bus pass which I highly recommended if you have made the decision to commute.

Personally, I haven't experienced the nightlife in any of the areas neither where I live nor around where my work was, hence I cant comment on it. I know from friends that Watford has great places for partying as well as several great bars on the high street which are quite affordable.

There were different events and social activities that were happening on a weekly basis. One of them is football on Monday evening as well as Boot camp on Wednesdays. We also have sport social dinners which allows for further exposure to various stakeholders within the organization. Days of change are great if you are willing to volunteer and help a local charity.