Knowledge Connections Specialist, Mars Inc. Review

by Mars

This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.

Rating

4.4/5
  • The Role
    4.8
  • The Company
    4.8
  • The Culture
    3.3

    The Role

  • 1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?
  • As a Knowledge Connections Specialist at Mars Inc. I thoroughly enjoyed my placement. My role gave me great breadth to work globally with functions from Brand PR to Engineering. Mars really care for you as a person. Their is a big focus on your development journey and I feel I've transformed as a individual becoming more collaborative in my working approach and growing in confidence.

    5/5

  • 2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?
  • I felt I became a very valued member of the team. With a high level of responsibility I was supported in shaping my development journey and delivered projects to senior leaders. My colleagues we're very supportive valuing all the work I did and encouraging me to succeed.

    5/5

  • 3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?
  • My functional manager gave me a high level of support helping me shape my development journey, identifying my strengths and building on my weaknesses. On a personal and professional level my manager was always there for me and guiding me throughout my placement. As well as your functional manager at Mars you can have buddies and one-to-one mentors from other functions to learn from others wider of your original team.

    5/5

  • 4. How busy were you on a daily basis?
  • With a high level of responsibility I was always engaged in projects and delivering on a daily basis. At Mars you shape your day to meet the demands of your clients but it is encouraged to take time out of your daily routine to self-reflect and build your network/visibility in the organization.

    4/5

  • 5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?
  • I was given a high level of responsibility at Mars. You are able to make an impact to not only your team but the wider organization as well. I was given a variety of projects at all levels and was always encouraged to achieve the next best thing.

    5/5

  • 6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
  • I developed a wide variety of skills on my placement from facilitation to self-awareness all of which has had a big impact on my final year. The skills and training I received has also supported me in getting a graduate job and set me apart from other candidates.

    5/5

    The Company

  • 7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?
  • Even though Mars is global FMCG, the office environment still has a family feel. By the time I'd finished placement I knew the majority of the office and was encouraged to network with different functions/segments. Engagement is a big focus at Mars. They run events throughout the year like 'Get Spooky' (Mars office Halloween party) to bring everyone together.

    5/5

  • 8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?
  • The placement was well organized by P&0 and my function. From induction to finishing I knew exactly what was expected of me and was clear on the mid-year/ final-year assessments.

    5/5

  • 9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
  • Even though I was only there for 12 months Mars invested a high amount of capital into training, development and 1-to-1 support. I highly encourage individuals who want to pursue a career in this sector to choose Mars purely for there focus on you as the individual and the amount of learning experiences you will have.

    5/5

  • 10. What were the perks on your work placement?
  • Flexi Time

    International Travel

    Company Parties/Events

    Working from home

    5/5

  • 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?
  • There are clear career paths within Mars and a variety of Graduate schemes to apply for. Unfortunately due to me wanting to follow a career path in consultancy there is no current scheme for that but I was encouraged to go for other graduate assessments within Mars

    4/5

    The Culture

  • 12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?
  • The only disadvantage to Mars is that it's based on an industrial estate so the London culture of going for a drink after work doesn't really happen at Mars. However I was placed in a house with 3 other placements students and went out with the other placement students across Mars.

    3/5

  • 13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?
  • The cost of living was low in Slough. There was a 30 minute train into London where I spent most of my time but the local area wasn't appealing for students so I suggest living nearer London if you get the placement.

    3/5

  • 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?
  • There was no nightlife in the immediate area but Windsor (20 minutes drive away) was a good night out. Under the Arches there are about 5 bars/clubs.

    3/5

  • 15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?
  • Yes, I was involved in the 'Mars In The Community' project which was a volunteering initiative to help skill-set sharing in the local area. I found this really rewarding and had the chance to work with some great people.

    4/5

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Details

Placement (10 Months+)

Management Consulting

London

November 2014


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