Digital Merchandising Executive Review

I thoroughly enjoyed my placement year at TUI. My placement was a job where I looked forward to going to work which is really satisfying. The office culture was relaxed, yet professional, and the people were really welcoming. I never thought I would go into my placement year with so much responsibility and be taking so much more than anticipated away from it. Working at TUI really showed what a placement year is all about and helped me discover the type of job I'd like to do going forward.

My team had a strong dynamic where everyone was willing to help and support when you needed it. They also relied on my support and knowledge at times which showed I was valued by my colleagues. I felt a lot of respect and trust from my colleagues which has developed my confidence in my own abilities.

During my placement year, I had an immense amount of support and guidance whenever I needed it. My manager would ensure we had regular 1-2-1's and kept up on my workload in case I needed any extra support with the work. If I had a concern or any questions I knew I could always ask questions. I was also given a lot of support from others aside from my line managers; such as from my buddy, mentor and the Learning & Development team on the placement scheme.

I always had something to do during my placement year. At times I struggled with my workload due to also working on various placement projects throughout the year, however my team were always ready to support and take on any of my workload if I needed help. There was a range of opportunities and task to complete within my role and team, which meant I was never bored

I never expected to be given the amount of responsibility I had for my placement year. In my role, everything came down to what I decided to do and create, which meant it was really satisfying to see all my decisions and work live on the website. Due to the amount of responsibility you get in this role, i was able to almost become an expert in my field, so that my colleagues always valued my opinion. The training I received in my first few weeks from the previous placement was invaluable to me meeting the immense amount of responsibility i had. If i didn't have the amount of responsibility i was able to have in my role, i would not be taking as much away from my placement year.

During my placement year, i have significantly improved my presentation and communication skills. The various placement projects i was able to complete this year have improved my presentation skills and shown my my strengths. Working with internal and external stakeholders in my role, has really developed my communication skills which i'll take back to university to assist me in seminars and group projects. Also, having to complete my normal role and work on the business projects on the placement scheme simultaneously has developed my prioritisation skills. This will really aid my revision and work balance between modules when i return to complete my degree.

I found the office atmosphere very laid back and friendly. It was always easy to approach people and get to know your colleagues well. There was mostly time to always take lunch breaks and relax in difference areas inside or around the office. The office was easy to navigate which helped when finding my way around in the first few weeks.

The placement scheme is very well established within TUI, having been running for 11 years now. This means the scheme has learned and developed from experience. It was also good to see where past placement students had now progressed to managers levels around the business due to the scheme being so well established for so long.

On the placement scheme at TUI, there is a specific Learning & Development team to aid your personal training and development. Aside from this team, the business organised various learning weeks throughout the year to develop skills or improve your knowledge of the wider business, which were always helpful to attend. There was also online training academies to use when possible to facilitate your development.

The placement scheme has a really high retention rate which means future employment prospects within organisation are very likely. The scheme aims to bring back placements after they're final year as the company has invested in you so it's beneficial for any placement to return to the company after finishing uni and entering final year knowing you may already have a job secured if you've done well in your placement year.

There was a good social atmosphere within my team, we would have regular team away days and monthly team meals. I bonded really well with my team as they all made sure to get to know me. With the placements there was the possibility for a social side also, which was facilitated by the placement team.

Being just on the outskirts of London and on the train line, Luton is cheaper than living in the city and other towns in the region, but can still be pricey in some areas. The cost of living can vary but it suggested to house share. There are nicer areas around Luton which can be around the same amount. When socialising, it's likely you would go into Harpenden, St Albans or London which is obviously pricier.

There is little nightlife in Luton but it recommended you go out the area to socalise or for the nightlife. Being only 30 minutes on the train to St Pancras, you can easily access the London nightlife from Luton. Or even easily access the more laidback towns of Harpenden and St Albans.

Some departments run a lot of social activities outside of work, but it's good as the placement student to become a sort of "social sec" of your team and drive activities with your team outside of work. In my team we regularly went out of meals and activities in London.