Commercial Industrial Placement Review

Completing my placement with PSA Peugeot Citroen has been a fabulous experience. Both six-months roles allowed me to become completely integrated in my team and involved in all long-term projects and ad-hoc tasks. Being allocated two six-months placements allows you to try roles that you would never usually consider, and opens your eyes to the key part that everybody plays in making the business a success. From the tasks within the role to the day-to-day office banter, the placement is never dull, always enjoyable and a great introduction to working life.

In both teams, I felt like a really valued member of the team - having sole responsibility and knowledge for a variety of tasks. IP's are appreciated company-wide and are always treated as 'real' employees. On a personal level, both teams have been really fun to work in - the department are always chatting and joking, and we have a great working relationship.

In my first placement, I had weekly one-to-ones with my manager, which I found really useful. I have felt that both managers have been easy to approach and have always provided me with support and guidance. The IP Scheme is fully integrated in the company (many senior members of management came from the IP/Grad schemes), so colleagues are never too busy to answer questions.

Workload varied - sometimes too busy, sometimes too quiet. However if I needed support or more work, it was easy to ask for this and my needs were always met. The workload can vary drastically, but that is the nature of a commercial environment working towards targets (i.e. month end is always busy!). As my workload differed between on-going projects and short-term tasks, there was always something to get involved in, even if the task was not urgent.

I feel that I have been given a lot of responsibility during my placement - for instance, having sole responsibility of a range of reports and tasks. Even simple things, like being in charge of the departmental car, shows that the team trust you from day one. People in the department soon understand what you are responsible for and approach you with the same level of maturity and respect as they would with any other employee.

I think that, as with any successful placement, I have developed invaluable skills. A placement year is a great way to 'dip your toe into the water' of business life and I would recommend it to anybody. I've learnt skills such as communication, confidence, time management, influencing - all valuable skills for University (i.e. meeting deadlines, team projects) and beyond into graduate roles.

The office is a fun, friendly and professional place. Within my teams and departments, we are often laughing and chatting, and the atmosphere is never tense or intimdating. I feel confident to approach different departments and colleagues for their support at any time. I've spent many days out of the office also (working with dealerships on exciting projects) which involves overnight stays with my team. The atmosphere is just as fun there, and we would always eat and drink together in the evening. On a wider scale, everybody in the building is extremely friendly and polite - always stopping to ask how you are and holding doors open for you.

The recruitment and induction process was very smooth. The assessment centres were friendly and professional, and we found we were successful less than 24 hours later. The induction week was outstanding - we spent a week getting to know each other and the company better, which included a charity challenge, a treasure hunt in Coventry, a night out and a training course.

The company run training courses four times a year, with an external trainer. This was very engaging and fun - it allowed the IP's to share experiences and understand the role we all play. In terms of my role, training was much more 'on-the-job', which I found to be useful.

PSA Peugeot Citroen usually run their graduate scheme yearly and recruit around 6-8 graduates - in our first week, we were told to treat the placement 'like a one year interview' for the grad scheme. However, with 13 IP's (plus external candidates), future prospects are very competitive and a graduate role cannot be guaranteed. From my year with PSA Peugeot Citroen, I would be delighted to return as a graduate and can only hope that this opportunity arises.

PSA Peugeot Citroen employ Graduates, Business Apprentices and of course, IP's - along with the French equivalent of each! This equals over 50 trainees in the company - with this, there is a lot of social activities. The company are aware that most trainees have moved to Coventry for the role, so are very supportive and organise various social nights out - including laser quest, bowling, meals and nights out. However, the social atmosphere is not limited to trainees, and my department organises monthly socials.

I've found the cost of living and socialising is relatively average - monthly rent per person ranges from around £350-£500. Coventry and the surrounding areas have a large amount of facilities -i.e. plenty of cinemas, restaurants etc., so you can always choose ones within your budget. As there are Coventry and Warwick Universities in the local area, there are many student deals - be sure to make the most of your student card!

The nightlife in Coventry is poor, compared to my nights at university (Newcastle). There are plenty of pubs, but very few bars and even less nightclubs - I find it unusual that on some nights of the week, clubs simply do not open. However, with Leamington and Birmingham around 20-30 minute taxi ride away, there are good club nights available. The lack of places to go in Coventry certainly did not stop us - keep your mind open, and you may enjoy the clubs more than you expected!

There were a few sporting teams (football, netball etc.) and some people in the office going on trips together (i.e. motorcycle holidays in Ireland). However most activities are organised by employees, not the social committee.