People Development Executive Review

I really enjoyed my placement year and it was a fantastic introduction and first step in my career path. Working in such a large business allows you to network and experience different jobs you knew little about before. This placement year allowed me to expand my capabilities and gain solid examples of competencies and project based work. I had plenty of personal development opportunities including external courses that were funded by the business. The level of responsibility I was given at an early stage was really exciting.

I felt really valued on the scheme and built lasting professional relationships. My team was really small but it meant that I engaged in cross departmental projects and was able to work alongside colleagues from other areas of the business. The reward and recognition scheme was really good which helped in feeling recognised in the business.

My line manager was extremely supportive but also gave me lots of room to own my projects and make decisions. They really encouraged personal development opportunities and actively encouraged my engagement with projects in and out of the business.

I was extremely busy on a daily basis which I thrived in. I would often have multiple projects on the go which enhanced my time management and prioritization skills.

As our team was really small and my line manager worked part time I was given a lot of responsibility and ownership of projects. This meant I often had to act on my own initiative and back up decisions I had made.

The time management skills I enhanced this year will be essential to my final year of university. My process orientation, communication skills and project management experience will be highly transferable to future jobs.

I worked in one of the smaller brands which meant I was familiar to most people in the office and everyone spoke to eachother! There was always something fun and charitable to get involved in.

The placement was well organised and there was regular check ins and quarterly reviews.

There were plenty of online and face to face courses to sign up for. The business constantly reminded you to check in with your personal development.

Once you are on the placement scheme there is the opportunity to fast track through some of the graduate assessment process.

There is a large cohort of undergraduates and therefore plenty of opportunity for socializing.

Reasonable

Not as good as a big city, but lots of pubs, bars and restaurants

Yes - I played sport outside of work for a local and regional team.