Cruise Trading Assistant Review

My placement year at TUI has been exceptionally enjoyable; a great job working with a brilliant team in a fantastic company. Every day on placement at TUI presents new and exciting challenges with endless opportunities to learn new things and develop existing skills.

As a placement student at TUI you really are valued as a permanent member of the team as oppose to 'just an intern'.

I received extensive support throughout my placement year from the placement learning and development team, my buddy, my direct line manager, my senior manager and the other managers in the division.

There is never a quiet day at TUI HQ which means there is always work to be done! I haven't had a single 'boring' day on placement/a day where I haven't had lots to do but equally TUI really respect work-life balance and it is very rare that workload dictates the need to stay late at the office.

The roles available on the TUI Commercial Placement Scheme are real jobs with real responsibility where the decisions you make on a daily basis have a direct impact on company profitability. As a cruise trading placement you become the expert trader for your season and own the day to day yield management decisions for the fleet during that time. Placement projects challenge you with responsibilities outside your day to day role and there are also a range of stretch opportunities to take advantage of which allow you to drive your own development throughout your time on placement.

My placement year has been the perfect opportunity to apply the economic principles I have studied at university to the dynamism of the travel industry. The commercial acumen and strategic understanding I have developed whilst on placement as well as the softer time management, relationship building and conflict management skills I have gained will be invaluable both for my return to university and my future career.

The atmosphere in the office is very informal and relaxed; the office is open plan and the dress code fairly casual. Everyone is hard working and very driven for results but the general atmosphere is really reflective of the fact that TUI is ultimately a holiday company and everyone is working to help our customers 'Discover their Smile'. It isn’t uncommon to arrive at the office to find a Robinson Club surf simulator in the coffee shop, a Thomson Scene cocktail bar in the canteen or Alesha Dixon performing in the atrium!

The commercial placement scheme is run by managers from within the commercial division rather than by a central HR function. The way in which the placement scheme is managed really reflects this as everyone involved has a genuine interest in your success.

The dedicated placement learning and development team work tirelessly to ensure you get the most out of your placement year. This includes planning your four week induction programme, facilitating on going role specific training and organising a range of developmental activities outside your day to day role including mystery shopping experiences, hanger tours, days in other departments, industry debates, guest speakers and resort visits!

All placement students have the opportunity to apply for a job within their current team and/or apply for a place on the TUI UK&I Leadership Graduate Scheme upon graduation. I was lucky enough to be successful and will be returning to TUI on the Grad Scheme in September 2016!

TUI is a young and vibrant company with lots of opportunities to socialise with colleagues outside work ranging from spontaneous after work drinks to team trampolining!

The cost of living in Luton is exceptionally reasonable and rent is a lot lower than you would pay in London. However as with any placement based in the south east, the cost of socialising is above the UK average.

The nightlife in Luton is very limited but there are a number of good bars and/or clubs in both Harpenden and St Albans and with London only a 30minutes train journey away you are never too far away for a big night out.

I thoroughly enjoyed playing for the TUI netball team whilst on placement; it was a great way to socialise with colleagues outside of my direct team. Other activities on offer included TUI football and the TUI Christmas Choir.