HR Industrial Placement Review

It has been a fantastic year and I have thoroughly enjoyed my time working for PSA Peugeot Citroën. Having the opportunity to work in two different teams and environments has given me an all-round great experience.

From the off, I felt extremely welcome by all. Everyone was also really friendly which helped me settle in well. You really do feel like crucial a part of the team and you are included in everything that the team does.

Throughout this year, I have been given lots of support from both of my placement managers. Whether this has been on a working level or personal level they are always there to answer any questions or help me with any task.

My workload was very consistent throughout, naturally with some busier or quieter periods. However, during the busier periods I never felt unable to cope with the overall workload.

You are given responsibility from day one. Although this seemed quite daunting at first it's really great as you get involved with and develop so much more. Throughout my placement I have gained more responsibility, which has helped me gain practical experience in different areas, allowing me to get the most out of my year.

This whole year has been a learning experience for me about life in the workplace. Going back to university in September, this year has definitely taught me that everything isn't as simple in the workplace as it is presented in academic books. I feel this will strengthen and influence my university assignments and dissertation when I return to university. The skills I have developed such as time management and communication, as well as the practical training I have received are invaluable and will be carried forward to the next steps of my career.

The atmosphere in my offices at my two placements, both at head office and at our parts distribution site, was great. I think this was one of the main reasons I settled into my role and team so quickly.

From the induction week to my actual placement it was apparent that a lot of thought and time had gone into planning both. Overall, I felt that the placement was well organised and the transition from one placement to another was a smooth one.

PSA Peugeot Citroën invests a great deal of time in you as a placement student. From the induction week taking part in local challenges and activities such as a Coventry treasure hunt, helping us develop our teamwork skills, to the 4 training sessions and final project you receive during the year, it really helps you personally develop existing and learn new skills.

I have had a fantastic placement year and have seen first-hand how quickly you can progress through the company. If I was lucky enough to be offered a graduate role in the near future it would be extremely difficult to turn such a good opportunity down.

As you are one of 12 other placement students you will never feel like you're on your own. Our group of placement students formed great friendships and we met up for lunch at work regularly and also socialised outside work organising meals/nights out and other recreational activities.

I would say that the cost of living/socialising in Coventry is similar to the costs I incurred at university in Newcastle.

In terms of restaurants/bars there is a wide variety and a great choice, however in terms of actual nightclubs in Coventry I personally have experienced greater choice and better ones at university.

Aside from socialising with the other placement students, social activities such as bowling or laser quest were also arranged by the company for the placement students, business apprentices and graduates. Also, as a team or department we would sometimes socially go out for a meal or drinks after work which was good fun.