I had a really good year as a Marketing Intern at Sony. I was able to do a variety of things I wanted and was involved in lots of events throughout the year, which kept things really varied and fun.
I had a great relationship with my colleagues and was entrusted to do most things. The only reason this isn't a 10 is that the trust took a while and it was only until they saw my capabilities that I was entrusted with more serious business matters. That being said, that's probably the case in any company
I was given support when it was needed. However, if I hadn't have been proactive and asked questions, perhaps the support wouldn't have been there. At times it was hard to know exactly what my responsibilties were and it was quite adhoc. In these times, I'd have liked more guidance or even a project.
It varied like any job. I had to maintain relationships both B2B & B2C and often I'd get messages on Whatsapp way beyond working hours. It was a real commitment. That being said, had I not been proactive, I could have had much more free time. The begninning of the placement for example was very quiet (for about 2 months). The events were by far the busiest times.
I had to be responsible for lots of equipment, be expected to understand the products when talking to customers, report correctly, maintain the events site properly and finally, co-manage a marketing campaign in the final few months. Therefore, quite a lot a responsibility
I think from a wider business context perspective, cultural point of view and for communications skills, it will definitely help. Also understanding a new market better, I'll be able to apply similar learnings to other work. However, not a great deal for my degree studies. More excel training would've been key.
I worked in Sony United Kingdom and because of this, the atmosphere is relaxed and people are very talkative. Having worked in agencies, it felt similar. However, if you work within the European team, the dynamic is slightly different and it's a lot quiter.
I think that the foundations weren't particularly there and a lot of it was adhoc. That being said, when I asked to be involved in things, the opportunity was always there. There's so much potential for flexibility but it needs to be addressed and implemented in the first place I think.
They invested a lot in me as I was required to go to consumer facing events and talk about the products. They recognised that's where my skill set was and enabled me to demonstrate it time and time again. I'd have liked more opportunities to be creative though.
Flexi Time
Subsidised Canteen
Subsidised/Company Gym
National Travel
Company Parties/Events
Staff Sales/Staff Shop
I think there are appealing future employment aspects. However, I'd like to see Sony take more risks such as having a greater involvment on social media and Digital Marketing. If they could look to hire more people within the digital sphere and graphic designers, I think that could take them even further.
Yes, we all got on very well. We've all kept in touch since and are looking to meet up in the near future.
Actually quite good (compared to what I'd expected). We paid £120 a week and we'd go to Weatherspoons or Sam Smiths pubs to keep costs down. The night tube back from London meant that travelling back from further areas in London on nights out was manageable. That being said, Surrey is one of the most expensive places in the UK. You just need to know where's reasonable.
In the specific area (Weybridge) there's little to nothing. However, we would go out into London a lot and being so close to the capital was great
They invested in a recreational area for football to be played outside of work hours and there's things like running clubs etc, so quite a bit. I would meet colleagues outside of work but that was on my own accord and because we got on so well.
Placement Year (10 Months+)
Central London and City
August 2019