Power Products Assistant Review

I have thoroughly enjoyed working at Honda Motor Europe. I have been exposed greatly to international business and have learnt so many new skills (excel, communication and presentation to name a few). I thank my management for trusting me with a lot of responsibility as it gave me the opportunity to learn and thrive. I think a one year placement is a good amount of time as after this period I felt ready to take on a new challenge and explore other business areas and career paths with the confidence and skills working at Honda has given me.

Honda values teach you to respect the individual. Most people at Honda follow this. However, due to the hierarchical structure there were some limitations to this past my manager. Within my daily team, we were very close and often went out for dinner and had a laugh together.

My managers were very patient during my first couple of months whilst I was learning the business but also pushed me in necessary times so that I could excel further in my position. They were very supportive, open and friendly.

My role fitted into a month cycle. During the first week of the month we were extremely busy. The middle two were moderately busy and the last was very quiet. Therefore I would say it was a good balance.

I was given a lot of responsibility. However, because of the support I received it was manageable. I enjoyed taking ownership for my work.

Incredibly. Most of what I learnt is transferable into any job; excel, communication, presentation, reporting etc... The only skill I wish I had more exposure to develop was teamwork.

The office is a little quiet at times as people go away on business. The atmosphere is mostly positive and relaxed. There are areas to chill and get coffee privately away from your desk, or take a walk for some water. However, like any business, there are times when it gets tense. It is a good sort of exposure to have.

The placement role was very much part of the department. I performed a very similar role to a graduate student. This was nice because I felt valued. However, it would have been nice to have spent more time with the other placement student and have done a couple of training sessions with them to further my experience and make it more of a placement scheme.

Honda allowed me to go on 4-5 business trips abroad which was brilliant. One included a training day on Business Phycology which I found very useful. However, there wasn't any other paid for training involved; i.e. no qualification. The training I received was from my predecessor and other members of the team but mostly learning on the job and from my mistakes.

Due to the fact that there isn't a graduate scheme at Honda I probably will not return to Honda Motor Europe after graduating. However, it is a nice company to work for and I would never rule it out.

Yes, but I didn't get involved as the others all lived together and I didn't have time.

Cost of living was a little high as I went private. I commuted from Reading to Bracknell. I recommend living with other placement students, living at home or nearer to Bracknell (where HME office is based).

Nightlife in Reading is great- also a Student area.