Junior Account Manager (Diageo) Review

I really enjoyed my time at Verizon. I liked the fast pace environment I was put in from the start of my internship. I was able to learn and develop quickly as I worked with different sectors and people. The customer facing aspect of my role was my most favourite part of my placement. I liked meeting and connecting with different people. This was a regular part of my placement as I worked on the customer site for almost half of my week.

I felt highly valued by my colleagues. During my first month I was given recognition for my achievements during my first monthly sales meeting. This gave me confidence and allowed me to push further.

To heavy extents I was given support and guidance by my manager and supervisor. During my first rotation with Diageo Europe. I was paired up with the head of this region. We would have daily contact in which the aim would be to provide optional guidance if needed. This support was provided during my second rotation with Diageo Africa. Morning calls were scheduled to align ourselves with the targets of the day. So throughout my placement at Verizon I was always given optimum level of support.

The level varied depending on the quarter and month. For example during the summer period a high level of intensity was required as it was the end of the customer's financial year meaning that all proposals needed to completed in a short time space.

I was given high level of responsibility during my placement. I reviewed high level documents for my colleagues which would be sent to the customer. Further I created revenue generating proposals that would be sent the customer. I also ran global/international calls regarding important proposals.

I came to Verizon with raw potential, I had never worked for a multi-national corporate company before. Verizon gave me the platform to develop myself. I feel that I will be able to leverage what I have learned in my degree studies and future work. I will be well equipped and skilled enough to deal with the intensity of my final year as a result.

The general atmosphere varied as I worked in different areas e.g. Fleet Place (London, RIBP (Reading) and Diageo (London). So the atmosphere was constantly different but great everywhere I went.

My placement was well organised. I had two rotations and was partnered with the head of the Africa and Europe regions. As a result I was able to experience different areas of the business which benefited me.

The Verizon learning portal was a way the company invested in me. I had a 5 hour weekly time slot for personal development. There were also weekly required training that allowed me to develop my knowledge of the company.

Verizon does not offer a direct graduate scheme so employment prospects may be difficult. However I feel that working with them at such a young age for a year will put me in good stead in the future when applying to a role in the company.

There was a good social scene amongst me and my colleagues. There were a few dinners arranged which I enjoyed as I was able to settle in well with my team. I feel that I was able to develop personal relationships with my team as a result of these social events.

As I lived in London my cost of living was cheap as I was with my parents. I was only required to be in Verizon Reading once a week. The rest of my time was spent in Fleet Place London and Diageo London.

I lived in London so the nightlife was great.

There were many opportunities on the internship programme. I wish I utilized this more as many of my fellow interns gained from this. Events varied from volunteering at schools to running charity events.