Marketing Assistant Review

This placement year has been a great experience which I would recommend to anyone considering (or not considering) doing one. It has given me huge insight into corporate life and the complexities which go with it. I feel better equipped returning to uni and to approach future employment.

At all times I felt as though my work and opinions were respected as though they were made by a full time employee. I could always see the real impact my work had on the business areas I worked in which was very motivating.

For the first few months, both my direct and indirect managers were heavily involved in the progress of my learning - however soon I began to settle down into the role and I was given independence and autonomy to manage my own learning. Help was always at hand should I need it throughout the year.

This varied day-to-day. I had a few regular job roles to carry out and also a few larger overarching projects which spanned a few months at a time. With these projects and the inevitable on-the-day requests which came in from people I felt there was always plenty to do - and more on offer if I should ask.

I was given considerable responsibility and was involved in the high-level decision making and strategy for many large pan-european projects. The work I produced at times was needed by a number of people to support their role and hence I felt as though my work had real value.

I have had lots of opportunities to develop my skill set while on placement. In lots of cases I have been given training and opportunities to develop on the job - for example I have been on training days for presentation skills and also presented my work to large audiences in my role.

The atmosphere in the office was very welcoming and friendly, You could always strike up conversation with anyone in the company no matter what their business area or level of seniority. The offices have a professional feel due to the clean and bright offices. I was please that my immediate team was very relaxed and close.

The application process was very smooth and happened quickly which gave me faith in the internship. As this has been a well established process for many years the induction, year in general and exit felt slick.

I always had lots of opportunities to learn on the job throughout my year. In addition to this we had an "emerging talent" program for all the students which lasted the entire year with some dedicated training days which developed employability and personal presentation skills. These were very beneficial and I gained lots of useful advice,

There is a competitive graduate level scheme for students post-university for a small intake of students. I would certainly consider returning but I would be inclined to try to experience a different company just to gain as much exposure as possible.

There group of students was quite close with a few self-organised socials throughout the year. It would have been good if these were more regular but I think this depends on the group dynamics of the placement students.

Reading is a fairly expensive area to live in however its not extortionate. As it has a large student population there was lots of social infrastructure to serve this.

Reading has a large range of clubs/bars/restaurants/comedy clubs etc for a variety of entertainment. If you want the bigger city feel of london it is not far to get to on the train

There was lots of encouragement for getting invovled in 'extra-curricula' activities with a particular focus on volunteering. Throughout the year I got involved in a range of activities with support from the company. I received a matched donation cheque which double the money I raised for a charity and also helped out in a handfull of community projects in the local area on projects in local schools to nearby carehomes.