Corporate Responsibility Undergraduate Review

My role is technically 'Responsibility Communications Assistant' as I sit under the 'Responsibility Communications and Engagement Manager', however I help out across the whole Corporate Responsibility team where I can. My day-to-day consists of creating sustainability comms for internal purposes, such as newsletters, yammer posts and managing the creation of short videos on our sustainability strategy. I also do lots of peer benchmarking for the rest of the team on product/planet related topics, which also involves physical store competitive shopping. I also help out with creating Powerpoint decks for various purposes, such as for internal sustainability events or pitch decks for different projects in the team.

I have definitely developed my confidence within the workplace, being given many opportunities to speak in meetings and lead meetings where I can. I have also developed my climate literacy skills too, having been given the time to do a climate literacy course during my work hours. In addition, I have improved my communications skills hugely, having lots of practice breaking down complex sustainability jargon into bite-sized comms for all audiences. My communication skills have been strengthened in terms of presentation skills too, learning how to create a strong pitch deck and event presentation. Furthermore, I have definitely improved my project management skills after being asked to project manage a large project within my placement year.

Yes, I was able to project manage several projects, meaning I had the chance to lead meetings etc. I also had lots of say within the sustainability comms that we were creating as much of it was internal, so it was a safer audience and had to go through less of a stringent process. My boss was great at letting me lead on projects, so I think it was down to her that I got to develop so many great skills throughout my placement.

I received lots of support, mainly from my team. I knew I was able to ask them for anything. I also knew that the early careers team were there to help if I needed it, however I didn't need to utilise them much.

The company culture and atmosphere was generally positive - however you definitely have to be prepared for a stringent process whenever any decision needs to be made. That makes it difficult to feel as though you can be your most creative/authentic self, however this didn't affect me too much.

I enjoyed my placement thoroughly, and I think this was down to the kindness of my team, and how well I got on with my line manager. I felt as though my position gave me just enough responsibility for being my first time in the corporate world, but also never too stressful at any given time.

Yes

I would definitely say to do your research on the company prior, so you go in feeling a little less lost (you're still going to feel very lost!) when you first get there. I would also say to make sure you are constantly thinking about the company values during the application process, as they are very big on these.