Variable Speed Generators (VSIG) Commercial and Marketing Placement Review

There were days which flew by and were very enjoyable, and many that were a hue struggle to get through. On the whole the beginning of the placement year is fairly boing as you are not able to assume much responsibility, with it becoming more interesting as you go along and get to know the business. I feel that it would be more suited to those interested in an engineering/manufacturing discipline than a marketing or business focused degree.

The collegues I worked with regularly made me feel extremely well valued and comfortable in my position, however the extent to which you feel valued by the organisation as a whole is not as positive, and the system for recognition within the company is fairly flawed.

The management was supportive and provided guidance, however only if it was asked for, so if you don't request and push for it, you will not receive it

This varied greatly, but the lack of structure sometimes left me wondering if I was busy of not. At one point in the year I had to request more work as I had almost run out.

A very good amount of responsibility is available to the students, and you very much feel that you are doing 'real obs'. If more responsibility is requested it generally will be given, and management is very keen to get the most possible out of the placement students.

I feel that my skills have developed exponentially, and I have learnt a lot that I will be able to transfer to future positions. I think the opportunity given to placement students at this company to develop is excellent, and we were given many opportunities to learn from others or teach ourselves new skills.

Overall the office was quiet as people were focused on their work, however there was occasional banter and everyone was very friendly and always ready to have a bit of fun.

Not very well organised. There was little structure and not too much guidance for someone who was working in the industry for the first time. I was left to my own devices most of the time, and so if you don't try to figure out what you're meant to be doing on your own, by asking people and thinking for yourself, you'll gt very lost.

This was average, we received some "training" but the most official training we received was just a repeat of things learnt at university. Some of the other training is non-transferrable, such as in how to use systems specific to the company.

The part of the company I worked for does not have a strong marketing focus/department, which is a drawback. Also in comparison to other graduate roles, the pay is relatively poor, training opportunities are average or below average, there are very few perks and graduates are not always well supported in their search for a position after the program is complete.

There are a few placements/graduates as well as some other young collegues so you can have fun if you click with them, however the social scene in the town itself will seem like a huge letdown after being at university!

Fairly decent, not too expensive, however your salary is lower than in other areas so you don't end up with much more at the end of the day.

There is only one club in the town, and it is generally a let down. There is little variety in their music, and its only popular because its the only place to go, though even with no alternatives people soon stop going. There are quite a few nice pubs around though. Mamma Liz's and The Periwig are good places to visit.

There are a few activities held in the area, there was a Race for Life and a Mencap Charity Football tournament for example. In our company football was regularly organised, as well as some people taking the initiative to organise activities such as paintballing and go-karting, but these are organised by individuals rather than the organisation, so it really depends on who you know.