Supply Chain Management/Lean Materials Strategic Planning Review

Within GM, the level of responsibility given to you allows for you to excel in your area. It is really down to the individual in order to gain the most from the placement as if your eager to learn and develop, you will be noticed and given opportunities to work on cross functional projects. Furthermore, through drive and motivation you will be able to develop and change processes to allow for continuous improvement, learning and developing your skills whilst looking to allow for cost savings within the organisation.

From the first day when I started, I felt valued by my team and felt as if I was a full time member of the organisation rather than "the student". Straight away I was involved in the banter within the office and social discussions on a daily basis allowed for me to feel relaxed within the environment I was working in. In relation to work, I felt that I had the full backing of my colleagues. They were very supportive and when I made suggestions they would take their time to listen even if they didn't agree. This reduced intimidation when raising new ideas, which allowed me to excel throughout the year.

The support and guidance I received from management was fantastic. It was a case of them listening to any ideas I may have and provide feedback on why particular ideas may not be tangible. In relation to ideas they liked, it was a question of OK you have our full backing - go and do it! Support would be available throughout and any problems I may of encountered they were there to help me resolve them.

I was always busy. The job I was involved with in supply chain could change rapidly. One minute, it could be very relaxed, then a couple of trucks could miss collections which would mean special transport would have to be arranged to ensure that material would be arriving in time to meet scheduled production. However, during quiet spells, I would keep myself busy working on other projects I was involved with in relation to change management whereby I had highlighted processes I thought could be implemented to allow for continuous improvement.

I felt like I had a very high level of responsibility at GM. I was responsible for 50 European suppliers. If material did not arrive in time, the production line would stop resulting in a loss of around £1000 per minute. Through my drive and motivation I always looked for more. At GM if you demonstrate an eagerness to learn, they will increase you responsibilities allowing you to become involved in a variety of cross functional projects.

In GM, I was able to develop the following skills: Communication Prioritisation Negotiation Supplier Management Crisis Management Project Management Logistics Purchasing Lean Manufacturing Now that I have returned to University, lectures make so much more sense. When a lecture is being explained, I can relate the information to the working environment at GM which aids my overall learning. In relation to the key skills I have developed, I feel that I now have skills that I can take forwards which has increased my confidence and will only make me better at the job I go into after I graduate.

Every day was just complete banter. Everyone understood the needs of the job. However, at times due to the stress level within the role, the banter would allow for a release of tension, which in my opinion would allow for an increase in productivity within the role.

The placement was set up really well. The standard role allows for you to develop skills and become a part of the team you work within. You have a mentor assigned which allows for you to speak to someone other than your management if you have any problems within the workplace.

I feel that GM gave me a chance to develop in every way. If there was something I suggested, my management would listen to me and if feasible let me implement. However, if my ideas were not feasible, they would provide feedback on why, allowing for me to understand and learn from my suggestions.

I would definitely consider working for GM in the future. They value young and enthusiastic individuals, which only allows for you to devleop and learn in a multi national organisation.

Due to the location, I found the social scene to be pretty poor. However, on some occasions trips to Milton Keynes and Watford were planned which were always great nights out.

The cost of living was reasonable. As you are just outside of London, the prices of standard things like food and alcohol are very reasonable cosidering the location.

The nightlife was poor in Luton. However, you are only 20 minutes away from Central London on the train and Milton Keynes and Watford are not too far away which are good nights out.

There were many opporunities to get involved in. Five-aaside football ran weekly whilst a lot of undergrads would be members in the gym were classes would run.