Business Development Support Review

I found my placement to be extremely enjoyable and beneficial to me. The role was varied, meaning no day was the same. Projects drew on a range of skills and gave me tremendous responsibility. Alongside this, whilst the role was based at Millbrook Proving Ground, being part of the Vauxhall/General Motors Placement Scheme, the social side was fantastic, with a number of events organised for all the placement students.

The team was relatively small, so everyone was key to achieving success and helping out where possible. I was given responsibility of my own projects, as well as working with others on high profile work.

When required, I was given feedback on projects and direction on how to achieve. However, in a large company such as this, you do need to be driven to succeed and be able to work under your own initiative when needed.

In such a varied role, no two days were the same. Personally I much prefer to be busy and to push myself - asking for additional work, if needed. Numerous quotation deadlines would need to be hit on-time, so prioritising was key. Alongside the day-to-day roles, I was also tasked with various projects (both short and long-term), meaning there weren't many occasions where there was a lull in workload.

I was given a huge amount of responsibility during my placement - beyond the level I expected before I joined. Liaising with clients from across the world on a regular basis and regularly working with people from all levels of the organisation on various projects - some of which were under my ownership.

There's no substitute for real-world business experience and with this placement, I couldn't have asked for anything more. The placement year has undoubtedly stood me in good stead for my career and in my roles since, I have regularly drawn on experiences from this placement year.

The office was relatively small and often quiet, but that's not always a bad thing, to be able to get on with your work. Everyone in the office was very welcoming, willing to help and easy to get on with.

At Millbrook, there's not a huge number of placement students, but as an overall Vauxhall/General Motors placement scheme, lots was organised for the placement students - both on the social side and training if we wanted it. Each student was also given a mentor who we had regular meetings with.

We had the option of taking courses at the GM Academy (General Motors'/Vauxhall's training centre in Luton) and I also was given the opportunity to go to relevant conferences/events.

At Millbrook Proving Ground, future employment opportunities for business students are limited, but not impossible. However, being part of the wider company is fantastic, with lots of opportunities across the brands.

The social scene was mainly with the other GM/Vauxhall Placement Students, with regular nights out organised in the local and surrounding areas. There was also an Undergrad trip abroad and some company events.

The area was pretty cheap - both nights out and all-inclusive rent/cost of living.

Millbrook Proving Ground is a little bit isolated, but there were still some small establishments in local towns. However, placement students can live with most of the others in Luton, where there were regular nights out (as well as those organised in surrounding towns - MK, St. Albans, London, etc).

Not a huge number of opportunities, but certainly some! A number of us took part in the London to Brighton Bike Ride, charity events and others organised by the EXCITE employee engagement programme.