Category Management Assistant Review

My placement year at Danone has been an amazing experience. I have been given the opportunity to lead my own projects thereby allowing me to use my own initiative which has proved to be extremely motivating. The culture of the organisation is also absolutely fantastic with a real sense of community widespread throughout the business. Would recommend to anyone looking for a challenging yet rewarding placement year.

Within my department (Category Management), my ideas, I feel, are always welcome as are anybody else's - regardless of grade. Although nervous to contribute at first (usually due to lack of contextual knowledge) I am encouraged by my collogues to contribute on a regular bases.

My line manager has been instrumental in providing me with feedback & positive criticism to allow me to reduce weaknesses & build upon existing strengths. Monthly catch-ups are frequent & always thorough. I must at this point add that giving feedback is a core component of Danone's culture and not just limited to line managers etc - I often receive feedback & guidance from other departments which is great for personal development!

In my experience, no day is the same at Danone. Some days I will be extremely busy whilst other days are more quiet. It really depends on what you want to get out of your placement year when it comes to how 'busy' you are.

During the first month, my manager ensured that I had a decent/motivating amount of responsibility e.g. updating/creating reports, booking train tickets, putting parts of a presentation together. By month 11 (time of writing) I am leading around 3 key projects whilst being a key contributor to other internal/external activities which is a great feeling as the sense of ownership you get as a placement student is really motivating.

I have been writing my dissertation during my placement year & strongly feel that my time management, networking skills & critical thinking has rapidly improved which will no doubt help with my studies & other areas of life.

Very positive! We even have a 'Fun Police' to ensure we all go to pay day drinks etc. However, in the sales department, when we are all rushed of our feet, the 'Fun' will no doubt die down slightly as we will all be focused on our respective accounts.

Danone were fantastic in organising my inductions, personalised development plan & ensuring that I am always progressing.

Although already stated, I receive feedback very regularly & feel that the company has invested a lot of time & effort in my development.

Monthly emails are distributed within the organisation highlighting vacancies including positions in other Danone CBU'S.

Whilst I feel fully integrated into the wider team of whom the majority are not placement students, we still arrange to go out for drinks, food & social events.

Fairly expensive. Although, like anywhere, there is the opportunity to shop around for good value entertainment & food etc.

There are plenty of pubs & restaurants in close proximity to the office. However, there is always the option to venture out into Central London for a great night out - we occasionally did this either in a group of placement students or departmental nights out.

Danone provide a few opportunities to engage in outside of work activities such as yoga & football.