Accessories & Merchandise Business Performance Analyst Review

The Volkswagen Group UK provide an exciting and challenging working environment, allowing you to develop your skills while engaging with the future of the automotive industry. You will be a part of a well sized group of like minded undergraduates, with whom you will engage in special projects and tasks adding yet more value to the placement. This is something I particularly enjoyed during my placement.

During your placement you will be a valued team member within your department. You are given meaningful tasks, and sufficient responsibility. This gives the overall feel that you are not simply an 'undergraduate on placement' but a genuine part of the team being treated like a full time employee. You are also well represented in the companies hierarchy too, with some members of the undergraduates being part of the employee forum, a voice straight to the top of the company.

With regular one to one meetings, team meetings and development meetings, you are supported and guided throughout the placement at the Volkswagen Group. It can be daunting to work for a large multinational corporation, but with the right support networks available this becomes an enjoyable process. You also have the opportunity to undertake unique training and development opportunities, furthering your skillset.

To begin with you will be able to learn the various systems, learn names and develop the basic skills required for success within your role at the company. Then once you are more familiar with these basics, the workload will increase to a sustainable and appropriate level. If you feel that you are light on cyclical work (For example near Christmas or between vehicle registration periods) you are able to join in with special projects and tasks. Something I would highly recommend as a rewarding element of the placement.

I give a 6/10 on this only for the reason that 10/10 is described as 'running the show'. This is something that you do not need, or want as an undergraduate placement. During my time with the group, my experience and knowledge of our business and products grew, and with this so did the responsibility I was given. This gave me a great sense of achievement, and progression throughout the year.

The Volkswagen group have a fantastic online learning platform that keeps their employees informed and up to date with the latest in automotive developments and legislation. There is also a range of valuable training available that will prepare you for future roles regardless of the industry, such as excel classes. You are also able to take part in and lead meetings with a range of business stakeholders, in my opinion, this is invaluable.

The office had a revamp during my time at Blakelands, however this in my opinion gave a fresh blank canvas for the future of VW to develop. The people in the office partake in different activities from walking challenges to sporting social activities. The professional environment had a very good balance of work and play. All in all this gave a productive yet light and enjoyable atmosphere.

There is a clear structure and guide of how the placement will run. This included dedicated training an development days, review periods and regular updates. There is even a dedicated undergraduate project for the cohort to undertake, however this was delayed to a later point in the year for an uncommunicated reason. Other than a few small changes and delays, the organization at VWG is impeccable.

Volkswagen group are willing to invest in their undergraduates, opening doors for them to visit factories, showrooms, trade shows and many other extra activities. I have also had the opportunity to attend training days, developing work and life skills. There were numerous undergraduate dedicated training sessions for the whole cohort to benefit from.

There is currently a lot of uncertainty within the automotive industry and economy as a whole, and because of this I feel a 'certain' place is unlikely. Despite this I will most definitely be applying for a post graduate place within Volkswagen. The company has endless opportunity, operating in over 150 different countries, the scope for self development in the future is seemingly endless, and something I would like to explore in the near future.

There are approximately 30 students based within the Blakelands office at Volkswagen Group, within the cohort many people have lunch together, go on walks and even out for meals after work too. This is a great way to make friends and enjoy your time within Milton Keynes. There are also other social opportunities in an around Milton Keynes to share at the weekends with your coworkers, however if you are not based within Milton Keynes you may find this difficult. Another limiting factor may be the way that MK is laid out, with many dual carriageways, meaning that a driving license and transport (company car scheme is available) is key.

Milton Keynes is often described as a baby London. Situated about an hour north of London the prices reflect this too. The restaurants are affordable, with a range of mid and upmarket offerings available there is something to suit everyone. The large supermarkets make the weekly shop easy, and the center mall provides adequate shopping for the weekends. A short drive away is Northampton, slightly cheaper with a great offering of shops and activities too.

Milton Keynes has a limited range of nightlife, mainly consisting of 'Popworld' and 'Revolution' in the center of town. There are a range of eateries and pubs in the villages and towns surrounding the main center, however you may find prices vary. Do not come to MK expecting a Liverpool like concert square, but you wont be bored out of your brains!

There are plenty of opportunities to join volunteering and charity drives, with varied causes and groups benefiting. There are also a range of department sports activities. You may also have the opportunity to purchase discounted sports tickets to Hockey and football games, and maybe even a trip to Goodwood FOS, something I thoroughly enjoyed! In short if you look for an outside of work opportunity, you will most definitely find something for you!