HR Coordinator Review

Overall I would say that I enjoyed my placement very much. I got to experience every area in HR and leant so much more than I would have ever done so in a classroom. The company is an incredibly fun one to work for with lots of different characters, all of who made my year incredibly entertaining and insightful.

I was able to take part on lots of different projects whilst working at Tech Data, all of which were important and made impact to the company. I wasn’t treated like a student, and instead like a regular member of staff and part of the team. I would definitely say I felt valued by my colleagues, who were all incredibly supportive and lovely!

I had two mangers whilst at Tech Data, both of whom I had regular one to ones with, and who I felt that I could talk to if I were having a problem or needed extra help. They both had great knowledge in the areas that they worked in and I learnt a lot from both of them! They were both brilliant managers and were supportive throughout my year.

The work flow differed from month to month. Most months I was really busy, with helping out in assessment centres, writing contracts, supporting in investigations and disciplinaries and helping my manager organise training, but there were some days where I had less to do. I could always ask others if they needed an extra hand though, and was always welcomed on to other projects if I asked.

I did a proper job throughout my placement, and was expected to take on responsibility from the start. I didn’t do a shadowing job – I was expected to pick up real tasks, help people throughout the business, and be one of the first port of calls for any employees with HR issues. I was also asked to come up with new ideas for the department and help out with projects.

All my soft skills were developed during my placement year – Including presenting skills (which I worked on in a workshop with the L&D manager), my attention to detail skills and ability to work in a team. It also gave me a real experience of the job I want do when I graduate which I would have never received from uni alone. I also learnt how to use the programme SAP HR, and furthered my knowledge in ER matters.

The office that I worked in was lots of fun. As Tech Data are primarily a sales company there were always crazy incentives going round for the sales teams. The company also really worked hard for charity with lots of raffles, games, ect going on quite often which boosted the spirit of the office. Everyone in HR were lovely too, which helped to create a great atmosphere.

I did a real job throughout my year, and experience all areas of HR. I wouldn’t say there was any particular structure to my year, as I wasn’t treated as an intern, instead just a regular member of staff. I did however have regular 1 to 1s with my managers which helped when it came to writing my uni report at the end of the year.

I took part in lots of training whilst I was at Tech Data, including Excel training, Presentation skills and effective communication all of which I really gained from as an individual. I also went to Barcelona to be trained on how to use SAP HR which I really enjoyed! I would definitely say the company invested in me

Tech Data regularly hire previous interns in all sorts of roles, including marketing, HR and sales. Although I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Tech Data, I no longer want to do the commuting to Basingstoke which would sometimes take well over an hour each way. Apart from that factor I would definitely consider returning to Tech Data if they would take me back

I didn’t spend a lot of time with the other placement students who were in my year, as we all integrated with our teams fairly quickly. We did go out a couple of time though, and if i had any issues which i felt they could help i was able to ask. However I know in previous years the interns have been very close. I got on with my fellow colleagues very well and went out for dinner and to the cinema with them several times.

I didn’t live in Basingstoke so I’m not overly aware of how much it cost to live in the area, although some of the other interns did, and I believe they paid around £350-£400 a month for rent. I went out to the pubs a few times, and to a couple of restaurants – all of which were reasonable.

I never went for a night out in Basingstoke (mainly because I don’t enjoy clubbing), but from what I heard Basingstoke isn’t the greatest town for nightlife – Although there were lots of good restaurants in the town centre. Reading is only down the road though, with lots of different bars and clubs to go to.

As I didn’t live in Basingstoke I didn’t get overly involved in activities outside of work. But I know that people went on lots of charity bike rides/runs/swims, and that there was always the pub to go on a Friday night after work. The town centre also had lots of restaurants, bowling and a cinema to go to in the evening to socialise.