HR Undergraduate Review

The varied nature of the role enabled me to gain a greater insight into many aspects of HR including compensation and benefits, recruitment, training and development as well as more general administrative tasks related to employment. I was also provided the opportunity to work within the manufacturing facilities, therefore sampling both sides of the business.

Colleagues within HR and other areas of the business were very friendly and approachable which helped me settle in straight away. Other colleagues were also only too happy to offer support and advice, really making you feel as part of the team - and not just a student on 'work experience'.

My line manager was very supportive, always offering guidance and giving feedback on work I was doing. Despite having their own tasks and responsibilites, they welcomed any queries I had and always found the time for me.

Workload varied on a daily basis. However, once I got used to the role and the responsibilites that came with it I was able to to use my spare time during quite periods to update and keep on top of more menial tasks.

During my time at the company I was kept responsible for the vast majority of the processess associated with the company's car fleet. I was also responsible for designing and implementing a new HR intranet page for the company and offering guidance to colleagues on how the site works and functions. I was also given the opportunity to present to new starters at the company's quarterly induction events.In addition to this, I was given great responsibility whilst carrying out certain projects aimed at improving the running of the business.

The placement has provided me with an invaluable insight into HR and has also provided me with the opportunity to gain a greater understanding of other departments within a large business, such as finance, supply chain and marketing. The experience of working in this environment, along with the training that I have received has also enabled me to improve certain key competencies which will be of great benefit to me in the future.

The general atmosphere in the HR office was very pleasant and comfortable to work in. All of my colleagues were sociable and easy to talk to, which made it easier to fit in and in turn a more enjoyable place to work!

The transition from getting the role to coming in for my first day was pretty seamless, with all the necessary documents/communications etc being sent out immediately. From day one it was clear that my line manager had my job responsibilites all planned out for me and that I wasn't just joining the company to be another pair of hands.

During the course of the year, I completed four different training courses; communications skills, presentation skills, personal effectiveness and project management. The quality of the training for each of these courses was considerably high and has benefited me greatly.

There are several graduate opportunities available at the company, although there isn't currently a role within HR. I would however be delighted to rejoin the company upon completion of my degree.

There's around about 20 undergrads/grads in the company so easy to socialise if you're willing to make the effort.

Renting a flat in the city centre isn't too expensive. Prices of renting a 5/7 a-side pitch in the area pretty daft though.

Birmingham's a good night out, there's about 4 or 5 universities based pretty centrally so there's always a lot of students out. The city centre is just 5 miles away - most bars/clubs are on broad street/brindley place.

The running of student committee allowed undergraduates/graduates to run a number of charity events together. 7-a-side football also took place once a week and people were always arranging nights out etc.