Customer Support Excellence Coordinator Placement Review

From the very beginning I was given a lot of responsibility managing my own projects and being part of projects which actually affect the business performance first hand. Even without any prior knowledge of the industry I was trusted and given the resources to learn and understand, both prior to and during all projects undertaken. Within the marketing department you are allowed to be creative and all new ideas are welcomed. The best thing - there are no "stupid" questions - everyone is always willing to help you out, and guide you in the right direction.

From the very first day you are treated as any other employee would be - there is no discrimination or judgement because you are a placement - you are expected to work to the same level as everyone else. My colleagues are so welcoming, chatty and always ready to help.

My manager was supportive of all my work, let me work autonomously but with weekly catch ups I was able to gather feedback on how I was doing, what else I could be doing, and chat about any other questions or issues I may have had. These informal reviews were great to ensure I was on track each week, rather than every quarter like some others do.

I always had a number of projects and tasks to get on with - the variety within my work was what I favoured the most, as I never got bored because each task was so different from the other. I was never snowed under with work, but sometimes it was challenging having deadlines for a few things at once - however it's these challenges which motivate you to carry on.

Many projects I worked on were managed by myself, and then reviewed nearer the end for any updates or corrections required for the team or my manager. I felt I had quite a bit of scope to be creative. I also had to take responsibility and action when some things didn't go right first time. This was always something that could be resolved and by taking responsibility I learned from my mistakes and used these to improve throughout the year.

I received four sessions of professional training including adapting to a business environment, teamwork, communication and presentation within my first 6 months. I gained the confidence in presenting to large groups and communicating correctly with my colleagues which helped me to feel like a proper professional. These skills are transferrable back to Uni and by working in a professional environment you can see how all the various modules throughout the first two years come together and work with one another in real life. My level of professionalism has greatly improved; from doing this I now know what employers in the future will look for and I think I will be better equipped in future interviews to present myself as an ideal candidate.

Within the extended marketing team there was always banter and chit chat in the office - this helped me to relax and settle in as I could talk to my team and get to know them as I eased into the role. Everyone in the office knows each other so there's always a familiar face.

From the initial application, to interview, to start date and throughout, the company has stuck to its timings and promises. All professional training was organised months in advance so we were well aware of our plans. All HR procedures and any tax issues were sorted in a very timely matter, I can't fault it.

The company has a Hire to Develop initiative so they invest a lot into training and development from the outset. The training was great and even after the first session I was able to take away things to use in my daily work routine. When considering grad jobs they were willing to help me reach out to other Cummins business units to enquire about openings they may have in the future, incase my desired role is not available at my current site.

I will definitely be applying for graduate jobs with Cummins - each part of the organisation lives through its core values and values every employee individually. I have felt so welcomed here and would love the chance to come back.

Amongst the placements & graduates, of which on my site there was quite a lot, we often spent time together outside of work. I also had a few team meals and nights out throughout the year. The employees are a sociable lot so there will often be talk of something going on at the weekend, which for me being completely new to the area, was great to get to know people.

As I was placed outside of London, the cost of living was relatively cheap. My rent was <£375 a month (inc. bills) and with a decent wage this was fine, and I had plenty money left over to socialise as I pleased.

Locally there are quite a few bars, not many nightclubs but you can make a good night for yourself in good company. The entry & drinks in clubs are far from extortionate.

With the start up of a Sports & Social committee during my placement, there became more opportunity to do various activities like go karting, subsidised group trips to various cities both in the UK & Europe where you can do your own thing when you get there, as well as advertising things which already took place like pub quizzes, fun runs and comedy nights.