Finance Student Review

I thoroughly enjoyed my placement at Toyota GB. Everyone was so helpful and welcoming from the first day, and I really felt like a valued member of the company. Toyota offered great support and opportunities, and I left my placement with valuable skills and knowledge that I could use in further life. Couldn't of asked for a better year!

I felt extremely valued by my colleagues, not only in my department but across the business. My work was valued and appreciated by others, and I felt like a full-time employee rather than a placement student. I was comfortable approaching anyone within the business.

I had great support from my manager and team. I had frequent one to ones with my manager and I was able to approach her or the rest of my team with any queries or issues I had. Not only was this with my work at Toyota, but also with the work I had to complete for uni.

The nature of my role meant that I was busier at certain periods within the month. Particularly at the start of the year, I felt at some points I had little to do. However, I was always able to ask for jobs, and as the year progressed I found myself taking on more projects and tasks which kept me busy at all times. At points I felt like I had too much, I was able to manage this with my manager. I never felt overworked.

Being the only finance placement student meant that I was given a lot of responsibility which I don't think I would've had at other companies. One of my main responsibilities was being the finance business partner for several departments, this meant I worked with senior management and directors across the business. I was also able to work on projects and tasks that were outside my role, giving me more responsibility as a placement student.

Toyota puts a lot of emphasis on personal development, and in our time there we were offered a lot of opportunities to develop our skills. We were offered a lot of training courses for skills such as presenting, excel and project management. In my work I was able to not only enhance these skills, but also improve my interpersonal and communication skills, as I worked with people across the business. I will be able to use these skills at uni, and I will also be able to manage my workload effectively.

There was a great friendly and relaxed environment at the Toyota office. The building and grounds were lovely and it was nice to not have to be always grounded to your desk. There was often activities or stalls on in the office which meant that there was always a lively atmosphere.

The work placement was well organised. There was a two-week handover at the start which meant that we had a clear idea of our work and responsibilities. There were inductions and several training sessions that ran throughout the year which were well organised by HR. There was one project that the students were given at the end of the year which I think could have been more clear and organised by HR. Despite that everything else was well organised.

Toyota invested a lot in our personal training and development. As mentioned previously we were offered several training courses throughout the year. We were also able to do a truth teller with our colleagues to recieve feedback about ourselves. We had an annual review and also feedback on a PDCA project which all students completed.

Toyota offers a grad scheme which allows grads to rotate around several departments in the business, which allows those to widen their knowledge and experience. All students are given the chance to be selected for the assessment centre. Unfortunately, unlike other company grad scheme, it doesn't offer the opportunity to do a sole finance grad role and complete an accountancy qualification. Hence most of the finance placement students do not do the grad scheme at Toyota.

There were 20 placement students at Toyota which was a great size for us all to socialise. Some of the students lived together as well. The Sport and Social society often put on events and activities at subsidised prices which most of the students opted to do. There were away days and events with fellow colleagues as well.

Living around Epsom wasn't cheap. It was difficult to find housing and once found a lot of the other student lived in different areas which meant it was often difficult to arrange to socialise.

Nightlife in Epsom wasn't great. The clubs were cheesy and expensive and they were often quite strict about getting in. Upside was the spoons which fortunately wasn't London prices! London is only a 30 min train, so you have plenty of options there.

There were lots of opportunities outside of work to get involved in. Toyota offered volunteer days outside the office to help the wider community and local causes. The Sports and Social society held lots of social (BBQ, Ladies day, quiz etc.) and sporting events to do. There was also a Cricket and Football team to join and compete if your interested.