Sales and Marketing Assistant Review

I thoroughly enjoyed my placement and feel that I gained very valuable experience in the Business world.

From day one, I felt part of the team and wasn't looked down upon for being a student which I have heard stories about in the past.

I was given support whenever I needed it and my manager would always ask how I am finding things and whether I am happy with the tasks set.

Generally, I always had something to do. If it got to the stage where I had lots of things piling up, I didn't feel stressed because it was made clear that I should always just try my best. I always managed to stick to deadlines as these were never unreasonable.

I was often given a fair amount of responsibility and it felt like I was trusted. Once, I had to go to a meeting at Sainsbury's head office by myself. I was also trusted to sent out quotations, often without them being approved.

I feel like I learnt some valuable skills throughout my placement, in particular communication. I was told at the start of placement that I could try to work on my assertiveness as this often key in the business environment. My final report from placement was that I had developed this skill, and was not more assertive when required.

The general office atmosphere was relaxed, although you could notice when certain people were stressed.

My placement was very well organised, I like knowing what I'm letting myself up for and what was described was exactly how my placement was.

The firm invested time rather than money. Which was fair enough because for my job, specific paid courses were not necessary, it was more an aspect of learning from experience and my manager teaching me the everyday tasks.

Future career prospects are very appealing. I was offered the opportunity to return after final year, and very happily accepted this role.

There weren't any other students at my placement, but we did sometimes meet up socially.

I was fortunate to live at home whilst on placement and so I already knew where to socialise. However, I don't believe the cost of living to be particularly high in this area.

The night-life was very good, particularly in surrounding areas.

There were few activities to get involved with outside of work, but this might be a reflection of the small company.