Business Development Specialist Review

I thoroughly enjoyed my placement at Astute. For me, this was my first time experiencing a business career and was ideal in the fact that I was able to effectively put in action the theories and knowledge that my degree has provided. For me this has been a factor of significant importance as the combination of theory and practical have allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the business environment that i aim to work within after my degree.

Both the management team, as well as the colleagues I interacted with during my time at Astute were incredible. I was made to feel part of the team within my first few days and still consider as a family. particular kudos goes to my campaign managers, Vlad and Ovi, who operated with a desirable management technique.

All of our training was completed within my first week of work, and in cases where I felt that extra training or support was required, Astute was more than ample in its provision of these services. Initial training and support provided by Gary Scott who was effective and efficient, and further support was provided by experienced colleagues and my campaign managers.

Work life at Astute is a good level of busy. The corporate environment is tailored around reward for hard work, and as such meant that you could be as busy or as free as you would like, provided you were achieving targets. I particularly enjoyed this methodology as it rewards individuals who strive for greatness.

I was given a fairly high level of responsibility during my placement. I felt there was no disparity between myself, a Level 1 placement student, and my other colleagues. I was very pleased with this, and would recommend Astute for any other students undertaking a placement for business related degrees.

The nature of my placement allowed me to experience a Business to Business technical environment, which allowed me to have an insight into how large business such as BT, 1&1 IONOS, and Scottish Gas. Furthermore as mentioned earlier, this placement allowed me to put to practice theories that I have studied during my first years of my degree.

On my particular campaign, for 1&1 IONOS US, there was a positive atmosphere throughout my entire time working there. Managers perfectly balanced their ability to lead effectively, whilst maintaining a fun, positive environment which I enjoyed coming into every day I worked. In an industry that Astute operates in, this is a vital element and allowed me to enjoy every second of my time.

My placement was very well organised. Astute takes on plenty of placement students every single year, and so has established an effective routine for integrating placement students into their work environment. I don't recall ever thinking that any element of my placement was disorganized. Another thumbs up for Astute from me.

The company invests an incredible level back into its employees. This is probably the area that Astute excels in the most. The number of events, employee benefits, training etc is exceptional and I was blown away at how much Astute invested into team building and building as a one family.

Very appealing. I aim to continue working at Astute over my final year of study as a part time employee, and this is due to the positive impact that the business has had on me during my time on placement, and I hope to continue working my way up within the business.

The social life at Astute is outstanding. The company organised nights out, social events etc almost every week. These were fantastic as they provided outlets for you to interact with other employees from different campaigns, and due to this I've been able to increase my network and feel like part of the family.

The cost of living in Bournemouth is fairly reasonable, my bills per month took well under half of my salary and gave me plenty spare to spend and most importantly to save. In comparison to other areas such as London, the costs of living are incredibly affordable especially for students.

Bournemouth nightlife is amazing. There are so many clubs, bars etc with events happening every week, there is always a good place to go and a good time to have. The nightlife is so good that friends of mine actively make their way to Bournemouth to experience the nightlife here.

I was actually involved with a society at Bournemouth University as that is where i am studying. I found that I had more than enough time to take part in my socials, as well as going to the gym and living my normal life. The work schedule allowed for me to have plenty of time outside of work to do my own thing.