Project Manager Industrial Placement Review

I found my 12 month industrial placement to be extremely challenging but very enjoyable spending the time working within the project management department of NTCE (Nissan Technical Centre Europe). I was subjected to a mixture of work tasks that made the day to day work feel varied and never dull.

After the initial 2 week 'settling in' period it was clear that I would be viewed as if I was a full time employee. My manager did not hesitate to provide me with tasks which increased in importance throughout the 12 months. Initial work was based around current vehicle lifecycle projects with the final pieces of work being on new models and requiring presentations to be given to top level management.

Throughout my entire placement I felt that I was surrounded by extremely knowledgeable colleagues that provided me with support and guidance whenever asked for. The only criteria was that I had attempted to solve the problem/find a solution before asking for help.

The amount of work that was given was high but assuming you managed your time correctly was easily accomplished on a daily basis. There were occasions where overtime was required to ensure the successful completion of some tasks, but this would be expected within any industry/job. Having this amount of workload supported with the development of time planning and organisational skills.

At the start of the placement it was explained that the level of responsibility would be directly related to the self motivation and work quality that I demonstrated. Within three months of the placement I had run several high level meetings where senior management attended. After around 8 months of the placement I was tasked with ensuring the new vehicles met a specified target and for the results to be presented to top level management. My final 2 weeks were spent in China acting as the European representative for Nissan supporting with catching back a delayed project. As mentioned previously the only limit to the responsibility given is yourself.

I found that the key skills I learnt within the placement, presenting to audiences, time planning and organisation supported heavily within my final year of studies where I was awarded the position of Team Principal of the formula student team leading a team of 47 students. My final year project was based around the running of the formula student team which ultimately supported the obtaining of a 1:1 degree classification. I also believe that completing this placement supported in being offered a graduate position at NTCE.

The atmosphere was generally relaxed and very open within the office. This was due to the open plan layout where all levels of the department work next to each other with only minimal segregation. There was usually a very friendly and supportive atmosphere which made it a welcoming and enjoyable place to work.

The 12 month industrial placement was well organised and well structured providing key targets that were set to promote your development. There were many opportunities to express concerns if they arose which supported with the feeling of a well organised and structured placement.

There were many opportunities to provide personal training and development. There was a training portal that was accessible for all employees where courses or training courses could be chosen from, with your managers position. Every Thursday morning there was also an hour long 'Engineering Training' session where different engineers presented a topic for people to take notes and learn from. These items allowed for development throughout the year.

The 12 month industrial placement left a lasting impression on me due to the opportunities that were provided. On completing my final year of study at university I applied and was offered a graduate role at Nissan which I happily accepted.

There was a very large social scene amongst the placement and graduate students with large amount of nights out, meals, football, events and other activities being arranged throughout the year. The company also uses an instant messaging service along with emails where it was possible to keep in contact with fellow placement and graduate students. Along with placement and graduate events there were a number of department events and whole company activities.

The cost of living and socialising in Milton Keynes is reasonable compared with London. There are a large number of activities which can be undertaken within the area as well. i.e. snow sports, skydiving, cinema, bowling, pubs, clubs, karting, mountain biking etc.

Milton Keynes, a 15 minute drive from NTCE, has a large variety of nightlife ranging from clubs, pubs and casinos. There is something for everyone, but dont expect a night out to the same level as London...The rule of the company your with makes the night is no more true than with Milton Keynes. For the more adventurous type there is also Bedford and Northampton both roughly 20 minutes away from NTCE if you wanted a break from Milton Keynes.

Throughout the year there were many invites to get involved within social clubs covering a variety of activities from motorsport to mountain biking to photography. The local area also has a large amount of activities ranging from rock climbing to paintballing to skydiving and snow sports. There is something for everyone within the area.