GIA Review

Overall I would say that it was an enjoyable experience. Despite not getting the role I wanted, my colleagues and fellow undergraduates certainly made up for it.

I got on extremely well with my colleagues and made some very close friends from the undergraduates. As there are a large number of undergraduates on the programme it was easy to find the people that you connect best with and stay mainly in that group.

My manager was excellent and helped me whenever I was stuck on an issue that I couldn't solve. We also held one-to-one meetings every week to discuss what I had been working on and what I still need to complete.

Some days were busier than others as I had certain routines that needed to be done however I always had something to do.

Overall I would say there was plenty of responsibility. Many of the reports that I sent out had to go to managers and supervisors across Europe so that they could direct their teams. If this was not completed then they would struggle to do their jobs.

Vauxhall provided numerous courses that were generalised for all undergraduates. I was also fortunate enough to attend an external course that my manager put me in for that was more relatable to my role. This certainly helped me with my role and gives me added skills to my set that I will be able to use for any type of job. I would also say that completing a placement in general is useful as it helped me to get out of the 'lazy, student' lifestyle and make me more work driven.

As stated previously, I got the opportunity to attend an external training course which Vauxhall paid for fully.

My role did not get a lot of perks however some roles within the organisation got to use company cars and travel internationally.

I would say there has been a very good social scene here. Once you have got a friendship group it is easy to organise things and there is plenty of activities around the area. Also because everyone has money you end up doing a lot more than you could at uni.

I paid £250 a month for rent which is dirt cheap. Everything else around the area is also fairly cheap but as you start heading more south to London it gets much more expensive.

Luton wasnt the best place for nightlife but a half an hour train away from London is nothing to improve that.

Vauxhall constantly promoted charity events to complete outside of work. There is also several sports activities you can participate in if you are into that sort of thing.