Global Product to Market Intern (P2M Intern) Review

Working at pladis was a great experience, and great place to start my career. I didn't really know what to expect when I started, but I learnt a lot of invaluable skills and lessons, and I am not the same shy person I was, when I started. I have grown in confidence, and I am a much more responsible person.

My colleagues were welcoming and supportive right from when I started, to when I finished. I felt very comfortable talking to them about any concerns or if I was struggling. I was made to feel part of the team most of the time, however there were times when I did feel like just the 'intern,' and I was excluded.

My line manager was very supportive and caring. I would have catch up sessions with her, just to let her know how i was getting on with the job, if i had any concerns or if I was struggling with anything. She was supportive and encouraging throughout the placement, and open to any questions.

This varied quite a bit, so I can't say I was consistently busy or not busy. When I first started, I had a lot to learn so I wasn't give too much responsibility so I feel l wasn't busy then. However after about three months or so, I had my own projects to lead, and responsibilities my days became busier.

I was given quite a lot of responsibility during the placement, I had my own projects to run, and at some point I was leading the meetings with the team. I didn't start off with a lot of responsibility as I was still learning, but once i got the hang of things and the routine, I was responsible for quite a bit.

The skills that i developed are invaluable, and I believe they've changed me as a person. They will definitely help me when completing my degree, and in my future careers. I learnt both hard and soft skills, which are now evident in the way I work and interact with people. Everything I learnt this past year will definitely impact whatever I do in the future.

The general atmosphere in the office was happy and open. Most people are easy and open to engage with, and are willing to help. From time to time the office did get quiet, which was good to get on with work. Overall, I would say it is a happy place to be.

The placement was not the most organised in my opinion. As the placement cohort, we had set online modules that we needed to complete and interactive activities and courses. Those were very beneficial and well organised. However, in my team and role specifically, when I first started it felt like they were not prepared for me and I did not have formal training for my role.

The company invested quite well in personal training and development. There is an online portal dedicated to personal training and development. Additionally, the placement cohort had a two day course on personal training and development which was really good and informative. I have learnt a lot from the training and it is evident in the person I have become.

There is a graduate scheme after university, I will be applying to that. The graduate scheme rotates in different departments, which I really like as I can get a feel for everything before I decide what department i like best.

There wasn't a good social scene amgonst the placement cohort. We only had a handful of times when we got together, plus, you don't really see any of the placement students that much. However, in your teams within your role there is more of a social scene. I did go out with my colleagues a few time and got to know them well.

None existant! It isn't the best area to being going out, and there aren't that many places. If you are to go out you're better off going into Central London or somewhere that isn't Hayes.