Placement Year Review at Mars

The Role

Role Description

Infrastructure support specialist, focusing on Web Infrastructure management and support. Key projects and work include web server infrastructure for large promotions and viral internet marketing campaigns, new infrastructure deployment and Continuous Improvement Projects and support for website infrastructure.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

I would highly recommend a placement with Mars.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Social aspect of the team was excellent with a friendly working environment.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

The team are always willing to offer advice if needed and managers are easily approachable.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Workloads can vary due to the nature of the support role, however project work could be adjusted to match.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Job roles were not restricted due to the nature of the placement and as such involved management of customer facing activities.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Helped to develop me as a person, both in a work environment and personally.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

A friendly open plan office, with an emphasis on a sensible work/social balance. Office social activities such as Easter, Christmas and "technology" days were great fun and useful for networking.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Over many years the placement program has been refined to make it a pleasure to take part in.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

The company is more than willing to invest time and money in your development, including external and internal training course, on-the-job training time and personal development reviews during the year.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

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

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Mars has a focus on the talent pipeline, inviting you to apply to the Mars Graduate scheme and future job openings within the organisation, however they do not offer specific job roles at the end of placement.

Other Information

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Due to the small number of placement students during my year, this was slightly limited, however with the intake increased over 4 times this should not be an issue in future.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Slough has a limited social scene, however it is relatively cheap.

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

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

Again the night-life within Slough is not great, however Windsor, Reading and London are only a short distance away and can offer whatever you want.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Team building events, office parties general social events were commonplace. The sports and social clubs meet almost every week for each event.

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?

I would highly recommend a placement with Mars for anyone who is looking for a role where you are not treated any different to any other member of staff and are looking to substantially develop yourself over the year.

Review 6/6 for Mars

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