Placement Year Review at TUI UK

The Role

Role Description

Coordinating itinerary planning based on ship deployment, selecting hotels for Cruise & Stay packages, choosing flights suitable for cruise holidays, working with the inventory team to set up a new season, working with publishing on brochure production, managing the changes and updates to Shore Excursions.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

You are put in a real job role with real responsibilites and it was great to feel part of a team. The oportunities to travel are fantastic and their was a great working environment in the open plan office. To make the placement more enjoyable I think it would have been good to spend time in different departments throughout the placement year.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I was always welcomed to give input and new ideas on processes. For example when choosing itinerary names, making recomemndations to systems we use, etc.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

I received regular 1 to 1 meetings with my manager to discuss any issues/progress. There were also monthly placement meetings set up with the placment manager to voice any issues. However, it did not feel as though I was on a placement "scheme" as such, more of a full-time job where you are treated the same as other employees - so perhaps more support could be given.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I was busy enough to always have a task to be getting on with but never too busy to feel as though I couldn't cope with the jon. There were periods when we were more busy e.g. through brochure production and season set up. And vice versa there were quiter times, when I had to work on more admin style tasks.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I was responsible for the set up of two of the Thomson ships (Spirit and Celebration) as well as 5 resorts for cruise and stay - Corfu, Turkey, Barbados, Cyprus and Sharm El Sheikh. I was also given the authority as the "Master List guardian" which meant I was in charge of keeping the website up to date with any shore excursion changes. The level of responsibility was initially overwhelming, but throughout the year it has really developed my personal skills and it is a real positive of the placement scheme - you're definately not at TUI to make tea and do photocopying!!

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

The skills I have developed such as time management, organisation, networking, etc will really help with my final year of study at university. However, I don't really feel as though I received any training that will influence me in the future.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

There was always a happy vibe to the office. Being open plan, it really helped people engage with each other and the work ethic was really good. TUI believe in a work hard, play hard ethos so there were always social events to attend.

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

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

The placment scheme is a fantastic opportunity, however I think our year just didn't turn out as good as it could have done. There were a few issues when the placement students felt out of the loop with what was going on with the scheme - such as recruitment of new students, etc. The placement team are very good at taking feedback on board, so I think next years scheme will run better.

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

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

The initial induction was brilliant, and we attented training sessions, presentations, workshops, etc and it really started off well. Since the initial induction, it has been difficult to take time out of day-to-day jobs to attend training sessions. There weren't many training sessions that were set up for the placement students, and I think this is something which could be improved.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

• Subsidised Canteen
• International Travel
• Company Parties/Events

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

TUI is a great company to work for and they really value thier employees. I would love to be lucky enough to return to the company in a full time job or have a place on the graduate scheme. Having the experience of the placement year has really put me in good stead to continue my career at TUI.

Other Information

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

We often go out for meals, nights out, etc and generally, we all got on well. On occasions, some of us went to London together.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

The rent in Luton is really cheap and the bars/restaurants aren't bad value for money either.

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

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

The nightlife in Luton is ok, but London is really close so that makes up for it!

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

There were department nights out, rounders tournaments, quiz evenings, etc. There were always birthday nights out/leaving dos to attend.

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?

Overall, I had a great year at TUI and it is a fantastic company to work for! I would definately recommend it!!!

Review 26/36 for TUI UK

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