Sales Operations Review

Overall it was a very enjoyable placement where I was provided with many opportunities outside of normal placement roles. Including working overnights away from home and even a 2 day trip to the Wolfsburg factory to experience the new products hitting the market over the next few years. However, be mindful that many other undergraduates did not have these same opportunities.

I fit in immediately with my colleagues and felt very valued by them. The business is very used to having placement students so the culture is very warming towards undergrads/postgrads. Most people I came across were very supportive and understanding. I was invited to nights out, dinners and drinks from the get go!

Support, feedback and guidance from my managers was decidedly minimal however I am a fairly independent worker and learn very quickly so this didn't bother me. Someone who requires more feedback and guidance may struggle with this approach. However help is always out there, if you need it just ask!

It varied greatly depending on a number of factors: time of month (busy around month end), what projects I was currently working on, what ad-hoc activities came to my desk etc. Some days I would be twiddling my thumbs while others I was snowed under. The work is out there if you are willing to search for it and step outside of your normal day to days; you can be as busy or as quiet as you wish.

Initially I was quite protected and only given small day to day activities but I was quickly given greater responsibility. I have led small projects, held meetings with external suppliers on my own and presented to important stakeholders. I would say I was given more responsibility than many other undergraduates however, again, let your work do the talking and you will be given more and more responsibility.

This placement has helped me no end. I have gained many real world skills and learnt a lot about what I like and dislike with regards to roles and working structures so I will be more informed when I apply for postgraduate roles. My confidence has greatly improved as you are thrown into an environment where you have to converse professionally with new people everyday.

The office is not the most exciting place and more could be done to liven up the interior and the office culture. It mainly depends on your team, you can either get a super fun one or a really dull one (I've seen examples of both), however most teams will fall somewhere in the middle.

The communications from HR could be better and some of the 'initial' training you receive should happen sooner on. The level of structure will also vary depending on which team you end up in. It was far from disorganised but I have heard of examples from friends at other businesses which sounded more structured.

They invest very highly in you by providing multiple compulsory courses where training consultants are paid to come and teach you. There are also many optional training courses you can apply to so there is tonnes of opportunity to develop. The courses are all free to the employee which is great!

I would definitely work for Volkswagen again in the future. It has been a fantastic experience to work for one of the biggest car manufacturers in the world. They have strong brand values and you will quickly grow to love the brand you work for. The opportunities a business of this size can offer are endless.

I made many friends on placement as there are loads of other placement students working across the head office. Its almost a uni away from uni scenario. Milton Keynes does not provide much opportunity for a thriving nightlife or social scene however - especially if you have come from a major city you will be disappointed. This didn't matter however as we chose to socialise at eachother's houses instead.

Cost of living will seem very reasonable if you are living down south however if you have come from a more Northern city it will seem more expensive but not ridiculous. Its most similar to the cost of living in cities in the Midlands. On the whole it is affordable.

Keep your expectations very low of the nightlife and you might still be disappointed. After coming from Nottingham (my home town) and Birmingham (university) the lack of a decent bar, pub or club with any atmosphere was annoying. However if you have come from a more quiet town you might not find it to be too dissimilar.

There's lots of sports and activities around Milton Keynes and Volkswagen will often promote or organise activities as well. Some are more official but its also not uncommon to be invited to play for a 5 a side team by a colleague for example. They could maybe be organised on a more regular basis.