National Communications Assistant Review

Initially, working for such a large scale organisation, I was apprehensive at the amount of responsibility I was to obtain. With an intake of around 21 interns, including MINI UK, this amount led each individual to take on their own projects and become a valued member of the team. I loved working within the MINI team, as well as getting exposure across multiple BMW teams. Attending events such as PGA championships, Goodwood Festival of Speed, NEC Motorbike show, as well as various track days was definitely a highlight.

Throughout the year there is continual support and encouragement to explore the wider business. If you want to sit within other teams for your own future interest, then you are encouraged to do so. BMW does however, treat the intern jobs as full time positions in the company. Therefore, do not expect to be babysat and praised daily for your efforts - you are part of the team now.

As above.

This is a valued placement and you are now a full time employee so expect to be busy everyday. The commitment to the role is up to you. From experience, the more committed you are (although at times VERY busy), the more you will shine and learn.

Due to the fact that I worked for MINI, the team I worked for was significantly smaller. I acted as a team resource so was given new responsibilities on a daily basis. In addition to this however, I loved the fact that I very often saw projects from beginning to end - having input from the word go, to seeing your work on billboards. However, the level of responsibility given can be very overwhelming at times considering the 'intern' job description is to 'assist'. But because of this, I learnt a tremendous amount throughout my time there.

Only starting back at University last week, I have already benefited from an improved work ethic - now realising how many hours there are in a day to get work done!

At busy times, it can be quite stressful. But the teams you work among are human too! So always time for a laugh, and a catch up. Nice to have the radio on when working too. Hot desking and lounging areas have also recently been introduced which have helped teams to integrate.

The initial assessment process was very organised. However, the overall year is what you make of it and is based a lot on your own initiative - do not expect to be babysat. Therefore, this question is difficult to answer.

As previously mentioned, you are encouraged throughout to take up every opportunity. This year is as much about benefit for you as it is for the company. I was encouraged to sit within other teams for a few days who I may be interested working within in the future. I worked with our agencies for 2 weeks to see agency side of the business as oppose to always being the client. I even worked at the NEC Motorbike show for BMW Motorrad (despite having no knowledge here!) to gain exposure to yet another area.

Personally, I would love to return to BMW UK (anywhere in the group) as once your foot is in the door, it is evident that people move around the business in different roles. However, currently, there is still limited opportunities for graduates to return.

With 21 students, the social scene is fantastic. However, because of the positioning of the office, do not expect to be able to easily pop out anywhere for lunch or for a drink after work - there is no where to walk to! I did however take part in circuit training on Monday nights which was a great way to meet other people within the business.

I lived at home so this was beneficial for me. However, cost to live within the Berkshire area is relatively expensive.

Reading is a pretty good nightlife - only about 20 mins drive from the offices.

Circuit training on Mondays, Rock Choir.