Business Support Coordinator Review

I have really enjoyed my year with Panasonic. I have been given real responsibility, with a role that branches out into all aspects of the consumer arm of Panasonic UK. This, along with the chance to work within an industry I am really interested in, has meant my time at Panasonic has been both enjoyable and rewarding.

I have a very good relationship with my colleagues both in my team and further out into the business. I have tried hard this year to prove myself as asset to the company and I feel this has been noted by those around me. When other employees have asked me for help, or to complete a certain task, I believe they have been impressed with my work.

Since my first day everyone at the company has been very welcoming. I had a two week handover period where I was shown the basics of the role and was integrated into the team. Beyond this period, any time I have had a problem or query all colleagues have been very open to ask. I have also had regular feedback from my line manager highlighting areas of strength and that for improvement.

Although there were peaks in terms of busyness, depending on time of month and year, I always have found myself with something to do. My tasks were varied and engaging, with an easily identifiable impact on the company. Although I have been kept busy, with good time management I have been able to meet deadlines on a consistent basis.

My role was extremely varied, with aspects crossing over into many different departments. The role also had a large impact externally. As such it was important my work was to a high standard, without mistakes. Any errors would have been visible directly by customers, and as such damaging to brand image.

I have been given the opportunity to take part in many different forms of training, both on and off the job. The skills I have developed will be able to be transferred, direct and indirectly into my final year of university and post-education. I believe my professionalism has improved dramatically as well as learning completely new skills, such as working with SAP and BW.

The atmosphere in the office was, the vast majority, of the time very positive. Although there have been some difficult moments in the office over the year, the atmosphere is forward thinking and upbeat. There is a clear bond between team members and this helped improve working conditions and overall enjoyment.

The placement scheme has been running for a number of years, expending year on year. As a result the scheme is setup extremely well, starting with a handover period, all the required training and a welcome afternoon with the MD. This continues throughout the year with a well setup appraisal system and ends with a leaving ceremony.

Formal and informal training has been offered throughout the year. After my two week handover period with the previous student, I have been offered the chance to attend training workshops covering: email, SAP, BEx analyzer, Excel, interviewing techniques and time management. All the training given has been very useful to my ability to do my job as well as for my future career path.

Panasonic has made an effort to recruit a number of previous industrial placement students after graduation, with a several management positions being filled by former IPSs. Whilst roles may become available there is no graduate scheme available, as a result any employment prospects would be dependent on the current company situation and role availability.

There is a good core of students at the company, with around 20 combined student and apprentice roles. As a result there is a good social scene, with plenty happening in evenings, after work, and at weekends. However, social life is not exclusive to students with other colleagues, often keen to get involved.

The company is based in the southern industrial site of Bracknell. Having lived in Reading for the year with four other of the placement students the cost of living was not cheap, but also not overly expensive. Living with other placement also helped to reduce travel costs as we could car share. The town is a uni town, so student socialising events are an option which can help bring the cost down.

Bracknell itself does not have a large nightlife, but options are available nearby with pubs aplenty in Wokingham, and bars and clubs an option in Reading. As previously stated Reading is a uni town, so the usual student nightlife is available during the week, with busy nights at the weekend.

There were a number of opportunities to get involved with outside of work, with sports teams, social events and charitable activities. During the year I have played football with colleges on a weekly basis, which has been good fun. I have also had the chance to join in with charity events, such as quizzes, car washes and cake sales.