Placement Year Review at Volkswagen Group UK Ltd

The Role

Role Description

-Working with Management Accountants to help produce and close monthly accounts.
-Processing journals using the SAP System.
-Assisting Auditors and Producing Monthly Reconciliations and Stock Reports.
-Assisting with Cash Flow forecasting and budgeting.
-Working with Cost Centre Managers to improve processes and procedures.
-Other ad-hoc work where required by the finance team

1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

My placement experience was fantastic. My colleagues were great and I was given a vast amount of responsibility. It has definitely helped create a sense of direction for me once I have graduated.

2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I felt greatly valued by my colleagues. At times, I would have senior members of staff and managers ask for my help with queries and my help was always appreciated. I always felt part of the team.

3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

My line manager was very approachable and always more than willing to give support and guidance. We met regularly to discuss progress and he aided with any queries I had.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

There were obviously times when I was busier than others for example during month end and audit periods, I had plenty to do. However, there were also times when I had less to do which created a good balance. During quieter times the managerial team would always try to make sure I had additional tasks to complete.

5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

During my placement, I was given a great deal of responsibility. I found myself completing tasks similar to those of qualified management accountants and was responsible for very large stock accounts.

6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

As a student, I feel the placement has provided a steep learning curve. I have learnt how to cope with deadlines and how to cope with multiple tasks at once through prioritising; this is something that I feel I can carry through to my final year. As well as this, I have developed my team working and communication skills though interacting with different colleagues.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

There was a great atmosphere in the office. The finance team was close-knit and we all got on well.

8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

The placement scheme was well structured, where an in depth induction was given which enabled you to meet with the department you will be working in and also your colleagues.

9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

There was lot of opportunities to sign yourself up for as many courses as you wanted. These include beginners to advance level Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access courses and courses on core skills such as time management, team working and financial awareness.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

• Flexi Time
• Subsidised Canteen
• Sports and Social Club
• Company Car
• National Travel
• Financial Bonus
• Company Parties/Events
• Staff Sales/Staff Shop
• Above 25 days holiday
• Healthcare/Dental

11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

The Volkswagen Group do not currently hold a graduate scheme however the HR department would keep in contact with potential candidates. Future employment in the Volkswagen group seems very appealing!

Other Information

12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

I'm still in touch with many people I worked with. There was a good social scene throughout the company and students with a good balance between work and social life.

13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

Milton Keynes was not as expensive as expected. I paid £300 a month not inclusive of bills for a 5 bedroom house.

14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

The nightlife was reasonable. Being at University in Birmingham however, Milton Keynes did not seem as good. There was quite a few bars however no real assortment of music being played.

15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

I played football weekly and also had the chance to go on many away days with the finance team, which involved going to Germany to see the Audi Factory.

In addition to these questions, is there any extra information you would like to leave about your experiences on your work placement that other students may be interested in?

My role was hard work; however, it was worth it! There are some great development opportunities and the skills learnt from the placement are priceless. I would definitely recommend this scheme to other students.

Review 4/11 for Volkswagen Group UK Ltd

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