Commercial Effectiveness and Global eSourcing Functional Expert Review

A well worthwhile experience. I was given real responsibilities from the very beginning and treated just like any other employee. A really insightful and engaging place to work.

I was treated just like every other employee - with great respect. Especially because within a very short period of time, I was responsible for advising others on how to do their work more efficiently; something I never imagined! There is a real interactive, friendly and family feel to the culture.

I have had strong support from two line managers and further support from senior managers. I also assigned myself with 'buddies' who had either finished a Graduate Scheme or were currently on one. Something I was really surprised by though was how much people are willing to help you. It is in the DNA at Mars.

Sometimes I needed to be proactive and assign myself with value adding tasks (as this was part of my role). Generally though I have been busy every day and never bored!

A huge amount - scary at first, but allows you to really get stuck in and deliver! I feel like I have really had the opportunity to contribute to the business on a relatively large scale.

I have learnt more about myself and business this past year that my degree so far. I will be able to apply soft skills such as time keeping, self-motivation and drive for results to help me achieve my goals, but also harder skills such as presenting and negotiating in degree work and in future roles - not to mention when also applying for graduate roles.

Friendly and relaxed - although everyone is actually extremely busy!

The placement was well organised and the roles given were great learning opportunities. There could have been more structure around networking activities with other Placement students for example and assigning buddies as a matter of priority. We were lucky in that all interns quickly became close and we were able to share our year together.

Mars puts a strong emphasis on personal development. I was given a very structured personal development plan with clearly defined and measurable objectives. I was given a lot of support and opportunities to attend very useful associated courses. I now feel like I have really developed in the areas I identified as needing to be improved.

Interns are given an opportunity to panel for Graduate Schemes (if nominated by your Line Manager). I was fortunate enough to be and will be attending the final assessment centre for one of the schemes in November.

Yes, but mostly because we initiated it. However, there was a team building induction week with all other interns which allowed us to meet and get to know each other.

Cost of living and socialising varies depending if you live in Slough or on outskirts (London, Windsor, Ascot).

Socialising is good as London is very close as well as Windsor.

There are activities organised such as onsite free exercise classes, which were great! There are also volunteering opporunities available.