E-Business Review

A very enjoyable role with various project involvement covering a wide range of business functions. Real exposure to different business processes in an international company and how activities are conducted in a corporate environment was a valuable takeaway from my placement.

I was invited to take part in projects and discussions that did not directly involve my function, allowing me to explore other business avenues. This made me feel valued in the sense of a valued input. I also felt valued in terms of the office environment as there was a good morale and atmosphere and I like to believe I contributed to this happy place to work.

Support was always available should it be requested. Particularly in my first 6 months support was invaluable as I was learning the way of the company and adjusting to my new atmosphere. Afterwards I was entrusted with carrying out more individual tasks according to my work plan and would be expected to provide regular updates based on this. Support was given but on a more structured basis in terms of weekly / biweekly reviews.

The department I worked in there was always lots of various tasks to be completed, yet working cross regional can prove difficult as time differences allow lapses in efficiently completing task. Of course I was always kept busy but if key stakeholders needed input into a project and were based in the US for example, this could take a while and waiting could sometimes be frustrating.

The first six months were a learning curve in terms of the business and the role. However, once settling in completely I found my responsibilities increase dramatically. I was entrusted with tasks that would have been beyond me prior to my placement, and responsible for providing regular updates on work and progress.

The experience has been invaluable. To put into practice the academic skills into working life is an understatement. I have developed personally and professionaly in a huge way, in terms of my outlook on life and priorities. I will go back to university with a clear, fresh mindset ready to complete my degree to the highest possible outcome, with this experience only enhancing my desire to do that.

A really good atmosphere in a new building on site. Soon made bonds with cross functional close by employees to enjoy shared events, foods etc.

The placement scheme within Cummins is expanding and they have a really good set up to integrate all of the placements and help us out. An accomodation search prior to starting was a stand out point, with the company embracing the fact that lots of students will be relocating in order to undertake the placement year.

Lots of various training sessions, internal and external were available throughout the year. This ranged from Project management, presentation, adapting to a business environment etc. Really good.

Despite having a really strong and good year at Cummins, I am still new to the working world and would like to see what other opportunities are out there. Also, the team I work in are a small team with head count not at the highest, therefore seeing future employment less likely than other functions. I will never say never though!

At times the social scene was enjoyable and we made the most of our environment. However, as the year progressed it became clear that there were different interests as each placement was from different background. This is understandable, and we all still got on with eachother but less social time was spent.

Being from the north of england and migrating to the south, there was some difference in living costs! However, housing was much cheaper than expected. Food etc. was similarly priced, however nights out and drinks less so!

The local area has plenty of bars and pubs which was great, however coming from an area where Liverpool, Manchester and even Chester city centres are on my doorstep, I was always going to be slightly dissapointed. However, I have had a lot of good nights as it is afterall what you make of the situation!

there was consistent communication sent around the business regarding activities and opporunities to get involved in various things. I was part of a group that went to play football each week and this was a really enjoyable experience through my time.