Legal Associate Review

I have thoroughly enjoyed my placement year at SAP. Since starting in July 2019, I have been presented with an abundance of opportunities, whether that be within my role, the wider SAP business or for personal development. I have found myself a valued member of my team and contribute as a full-time employee would, whilst also having a strong support network around me.

I feel extremely valued by my colleagues, I am trusted by my manager and my wider team to complete my tasks as would a full-time employee. Not only that, my colleagues support me if I want explore a different part of the business or want to get involved in new projects. The SAP community as a whole can't do enough to ensure I am having a good experience.

I was onboarded by my manager with whom I work closely. My manager gives me support on a daily basis and helps me if I am unsure of a task. I also have a great support system from my Buddy, we have biweekly meetings in which we catch up and talk about my growth and any concerns. I have found having support from my Buddy crucial this year.

My work can fluctuate depending on whereabouts in the quarter we are. But I have found that when there were troughs in my work, by using initiative, there was lots of projects and programmes to get involved in. Whether it be to develop professionally or personally SAP offers their placement students the opportunity to get involved in events, training and different areas of the business. So all in all, more often than most I was very busy.

I have been given responsibility as a full-time employee would. I have been given ownership of tasks and projects within my role and outside in my 70:30 split. It has allowed me to grow so much as a person as you have to manage your time effectively, commit to deadlines and work with a variety of people.

The skills I have developed over my placement year will undoubtedly help me in my final year of studies and life post university. It has taught me to be resilient, to have a good work ethic and grown my confidence. All of which I can apply when back studying my degree and committing to long periods of study. Also, it has shown me what is expected of you in a full-time job in a large organisation, in which I hope to do again after university. Whether this be the recruitment process, working in an office or even using office tools such as outlook, it has given me the experience I needed.

There was a great atmosphere in the office. It is open planned so everyone feels like they are working together and as part of a team. Everyone is really friendly and there is very much a 'my door is always open' approach. There is never a dull moment at the office, there is always events with partners or end of quarter. I will definitely miss the facilities of free lunch, the gym and the games room.

The placement was set up well, I always felt like I was in the loop and I knew what was happening. The onboarding weeks were pivotal in getting to know the business and I found it very helpful in getting to know my intern cohort, team, the office and SAP as a whole.

There were endless opportunities to take part in training and to develop your personal brand on my placement year at SAP. I got to take part in training days specific to my role, but also sign up to training that appealed to me for my personal development. I even got to take part in training abroad. I felt very invested in by SAP.

The future employment prospects within SAP are very appealing. I would love the opportunity to come back and work for SAP after University as I have found they are a great company that invest in their employees and interns. So much so, some interns stay on part-time during University and at a graduate level they offer the Sales and Presales Academies.

There is a great social scene on placement in London. With a large cohort of around 70 interns and I have made so many friends that I get on with in and outside work. Most weeks we go out in places like Richmond or Clapham which is great fun for when you have a bit of money to spend from work.

I lived at home so I had a high cost of commuting to the office, but I know the cost of living in London is manageable with the salary as a lot of interns do make the move to London for the placement year. The socialising is slightly more expensive in London, but it is very enjoyable and I have done lots of things I would never have done before.

Nightlife in London is great fun, in places like Richmond and Clapham it is slightly cheaper to go out than central London. There are lots of bars, restaurants and clubs to go to that are all very accessible from surrounding areas. So even though the office is in Feltham, there is lots to do in London which is only a short train journey away.

As I made great friends on placement, there was always different things to get involved in and do on weekends and in the evenings. We went to see shows in London, watch sports matches and go to different events. London is a great place to experience new things and always has activities happening.