Customer Service Administrator Review

I loved the job role I had applied for. I was based within the customer service department, a very sociable team that were very close. I felt very welcome by the team and learned a lot through the time I spent with them. Everyone was happy to assist each other and myself to get the required tasks done. My role was very interactive and I enjoyed speaking with and customers and colleagues via telephone. I gained a real insight into McDonald's, as I required excellent knowledge of the company to answer questions and learned how to communicate the information effectively. Just a few of the thing I touched upon were product ingredients, cooking procedures, policies, advertising and property.

I was very busy during placement but never bored. There was an increasing workload and I had responsibility within my role. I was trusted to complete tasks and organise department plan of actions to ensure we worked together as a team to reach targets. I never felt pressured to go beyond but was happy to stay extra and complete work when needed to ensure we did not fall behind. I enjoyed the role I had and wanted to learn as much as I could within the 12 months I spent with McDonald's so, I always offered to help out and happy to take on new tasks when needed.

I developed a number of skills while on placement. I improved my technical ability, communication skills and confidence. I was professional and learned how to and was able to engage with people of different ages and different levels. I value the opportunities and responsibilities I was given to develop these skills, I can apply throughout my career and during the completion of my degree.

I loved the office atmosphere, it was friendly, fun and motivational. Everyone was professional in the office and focused and committed to McDonald's and its success. The whole office were helpful and the general consensus was that everyone wanted to work. There was a lovely vibe and everyone was genuinely friends, with many socialising outside of work.

My role and the tasks I had responsibility for were similar to those many other members of the team also completed. The work was divided and I was able to take actual responsibility to get the most out of the role. I think they had planned it well, tasks and workload and responsibility increased over time.

There were training courses that we had to complete when we first started our placement- these helped us to understand the business and its goals, informing us of the skills we needed to draw up while working at McDonald's. Throughout the year we completed three training courses with other members of the business. There were courses I was advised to go based upon the skills required to exceed in my role and those which I had found interesting and had chosen to go on.

I loved the role I had applied for and the company. I would return back to work within the Customer Service Department as I do see potential to develop further, although progression with the team I was based in would be limited. However, I could change departments as McDonald's provides great opportunities across the business. I have looked at other roles in different departments that are very appealing, which have more opportunities to progress within. McDonald's as a whole is very good with promotion and development and I do think they invest in their employees.

There were around 20 placement students based in my office, which was great for social occasions. The HR team at McDonald's was very good at putting us all in contact prior to starting the job, as many of us were moving to London for the year. This was great as many of chose to live together which did help to build great friendships. Most of the placement students gelled very well and we organised group events and socialised outside of work. We also integrated very well within our teams and met many new friends of all ages throughout the office.

Our office was based in London, zone 3 and I lived in the local area, East Finchley which had many local pubs/restaurants and shops around. The location was great and this did help to reduce my transport costs. The area was not too expensive for London, I was able to go for dinner and regularly attended the pub in the local area on a Friday. The office was right next to the tube station and bus stop so it was very easy to get about.

As mentioned there were many pubs and restaurants in the local area and there was a couple of bars nearby (10minute bus/1 tube stop away) but, it was very easy to get the tube to other clubs and bars. I liked the location it was homely and although I would not say it had a 'nightlife' but, as mentioned, it was very easy to get to somewhere else.

I am aware that there was a boys football team that was very sociable and the onsite gym was great for getting to know people (but also working out). The company was also charitable and opportunities arose to get together with people across the business (from office to restaurant staff) to complete challenges and raise money for charity.