Executive Assistant to Managing Director Review

I worked with the Managing Director, his Business Manager and his team of Executives and was really valued as a member of their team, given great responsibility for work that the Executive board used directly to make their decisions. In addition this role enables me to travel to Moscow and Barcelona.

I took part in monthly board meetings where a variety of business decisions needed to be made, here I had many chances to give my opinion and on occasions my ideas were used and implemented. I was trusted to carry out various tasks for various members of the board which pushed me to develop personally and professionally, to add-value to the team, and gain their respect.

I had one-to-one management and training with the MD's business manager who taught me everything I needed to know plus more and was there to answer any questions I had at any time. We ultimately became very good friends and are still in touch today.

The work load varied weekly depending on the time of the month because workload correlated with the end of sales cycles. Although at times work can be very busy there is enough support from team members to help and flexible working hours.

The level of responsibility grew throughout the year as I began to understand SAP as a business more and became more comfortable myself. By the end of the year I was able to implement my own ideas into the work place as projects that I was solely responsible for. Overall you the amount of responsibility you have is largely down to the amount you would like.

I have also been offered a graduate job to return in 2014. However throughout the year I developed so much; Project management, business acumen, teamwork, forecasting, relationship building, creativity, adaptability, analytic outlook. Training was largely on the job as I was given new responsibility I learnt new skills and business processes.

SAP's atmosphere is calm but hard working with all employees willing to help one another as the culture is very open. There is also always time for a drink with colleagues after work.

This was a new role when I joined so I had great flexibility to turn the placement into what I wanted it to be and the next intern will be able to do the same. All the resources are there waiting to be used, you just have to say in which areas you want to focus on and all the support you need will be provided.

There are many opportunities to join formal training for full-time employees, you will have full access to web training resources as well as a close manager to help you every step of the way. I also asked to go through an external company training day specifically for interpersonal development which SAP helped me find and funded.

I have been offered a graduate job for 2014 and cannot wait to get back! This is a scheme that will grow every year so more and more opportunities for employment will become available.

In my year there were 28 placement students who all lived within 20 minutes of each other which meant lots of weekend activities and after work socials. As well as regular interaction in the office with the opportunity to work on group projects together.

There were various options as the office is just outside of London. If we went to central London of course prices were higher but if we stayed on the outskirts there is plenty to do at affordable prices.

There was more nightlife in the surrounding areas but no where out of reach from a short taxi or tube into central London.

There were many CSR activities through out the year and events to showcase SAP products which were great fun and a chance to meet new people.