Sales and Marketing Executive Review

Xerox was a real job with real responsibilities. I was had daily and monthly tasks which needed to be completed and in failure to do these could seriously impact the business. I was given more responsibility than I ever anticipated.

I worked alongside a team of 5 others and we were all extremely close. We worked well as a team and I felt I could ask for their help / advice with both work related and personal questions.

My manager was extremely supportive. He always encouraged me to become involved in other aspects of the firm and set challenging yet realistic targets in our monthly 1-2-1's. These targets helped to develop my skills and attributes throughout the year. Whilst on placement I had to complete a number of assignments for university and he regularly helped me with these by reviewing and recommending where I could improve.

I had tasks which needed to be completed on both a daily and monthly basis. I was regularly out of the office visiting clients for sales visits yet when I was in the office there was lots to do!

I was given more responsibility than I ever thought possible from an Industrial Placement. I implemented a new deal construction tool for the sales people, attended and ran sales pitches to corporate clients, generated over £140,000 worth of revenue for Xerox and contributed within directors meetings.

The skills I learnt on my placement were invaluable. Before my placement I had little experience and had not had the chance to use or develop my skills yet these year ensured all my skills were put to the test.

We maintained a fun yet professional approach which made it much easier to work. As Xerox take on around 90 students there was a huge social scene outside work too.

When I applied for the position there was no clear job specification in place. My role turned out to be extremely IT based which isn't what I was looking for from a placement. However, the application process was very quick and I had my offer the next day. I would suggest that there is a need for more helpful documents in terms of a hand book and a job specification.

I felt I wasn't offered that much training and development. There were no official training courses to attend and I feel these may of developed my skill set further. As my role involved being on the phone a lot, it was difficult to attend training courses as I had to be in the office which I feel hindered my experience.

The disapointing thing about Xerox is that there is no set graduate scheme available. However, my manager said he is keen to remain in contact and that he will inform me when positions arise.

There was a massive social scene for students. We all lived close to each other and in houses with other Xerox students.

In Uxbridge it was ok prices, yet the closer to London you were the more expensive it was!

Uxbridge was only a tube ride away from London so there was lots to choose from!

Not particularly. The boys set up a 5 a side football team but there wasn't much for girls.