Service & Parts Marketing Executive Review

Far exceeded my expectations of a student placement. Was fully welcomed in to the company and given real responsibility.

Treated as an equal by all memebers of the organisation. From team members to the board of directors, everyone across the company seemed to value the contribution of the placement students.

I was given a lot of support by a number of managers, but didn't have my 'hand held' for the whole year. As the year progressed, I was given more and more independence.

There were peaks and troughs. I was never left with nothing to do, and at times there was a high workload. However, there was always methods in place to ease the workload if it became too heavy.

I was pleasantly surprised with the amount of responsibility I was given. I have been involved with tasks that I never expected a student would be responsible for and really felt like a valued memeber of the team.

Perhaps not so much academically, but I have developed a vast number of skills that will help me in my future career. I have really developed my skills as an individual over the course of the last 12 months, with presentation, organisation, time management and above all confidence strengthening every day.

There was a balance between a fun atmosphere and serious work. During busy times, the office was extremely focussed. However, during quieter times, there was a really good team spirit who were more than capable of having a laugh and joke.

The programme has been running for a number of years, so the students are well imbeded within the company. As a result, students are given real responsibility and a key role within the company. The admin side of the placement is also handled well, from the initial application process right through to leaving the company.

There are a number of members of staff around the company who will take a keen interest in ensuring you develop as a person. I have had a large variety of advice from a number of colleagues who wanted to make sure I got the most out of my time with the company.

The company runs a very attractive graduate scheme. However, there is no concerete link between a student placement and a place on the graduate scheme.

With around 20 students at the company, there was a very good atmosphere. Also, located close to the university city of Reading, there are a number of student areas near to the company head office.

As is the case with the South of England, the living cost was relatively high. Although not comparable to Central London, there was a reasonably high cost of living. However, it was still possible to socialise, with Reading providing plenty of student discounts and bars.

Located close to Reading, there were plenty of student bars to find.

I was involved heavily in a number of football teams linked to work, with a very good football community existing within the company. There is also a Social Club within the company that will allow you to get involved in plenty of after work activities.