Digital Marketing Specialist Review

Had a great year, both in the work that I was doing and the people I've met. By running an undergraduate programme which employs just under 100 students, there's a healthy community feel among the undergraduates, and you really feel like a big part of the business with the responsibility you're given in your role from the off-set.

From day 1 I felt valued and trusted from people within my immediate team, and the welcoming from the business as a whole (all directors spoke to the undergraduates during handover) was warm. Outside of the team there seemed at first to be slight hesitation, but as I grew into the role and almost proved my ability, I seemed to be trusted and valued a lot more.

Every level of supervision during my placement year has been really supportive, encouraging and valuable. My line manager in particular (who was an undergraduate in previous years) has been brilliant in finding the balance between giving me responsibility of my own but also looking over my work at a distance. Higher levels of staff have also been very supportive with me and seem to value my thoughts and work.

I was very busy during my placement year, due largely to my enthusiasm for the role and the demands of working in a fairly small but dynamic team. I consider myself to thrive when working to tight deadlines/under a good deal of pressure so this year has been the perfect challenge for me work-wise.

I have often been, and still am very pleasantly surprised by the level of responsibility granted to me during my placement at Vauxhall. Partly due to the fact that I've worked in such a small but important team for the business, there's no room for passengers so each job is valued and given it's own responsibility. This has suited me perfectly as I've always appreciated receiving responsibility and being given the chance to lead my own projects.

The work ethic of Vauxhall and the digital marketing team uniquely will stay with me for my 4th year of university and ensure that I keep on top of all ongoing tasks. In addition, the conciseness of thought required to lead projects (which I've been able to do at Vauxhall) will enable me to break down my work with more efficiency and ensure that I hit the required criteria points. Finally, by being given the responsibility to present to wider groups on a regular basis, I've becoming more confident when communicating to an audience, something that will stand me in good stead going forward in marketing.

Whilst the Vauxhall HQ as a whole is fairly quiet and business-like, my team was always very talkative, friendly and up for a laugh. Sitting in the same area for the whole year enabled me to develop a bond with all of my immediate co-workers, which will hopefully continue after I leave the business.

Very well. I always completely trusted HR and my work managers with everything required to get me started and keep me going throughout the year. Everything was handled with efficiency from HR and if I ever had any issues I always knew where to come.

There were a number of key skill workshops at the beginning of the year (excel, presentation, safe driver), and further guidance on applying as a graduate. I felt as if the business value me as an individual and were keen to invest in me from the start.

Vauxhall seem to be a company that invest and trust their current staff/previous talent. I'd therefore feel confident in applying to the company in future, if a position was to become available. The fact that the company likes to move employees around within the business and give them experience of different roles is also very appealong.

Fantastic social scene among the undergraduates. This was a key factor in my enjoyment of placement.

Fairly priced. Luton, although not the most appealing place to live, does cater for most situations and preferences.

It was more about the people I was with that made going out on placement fun. There are places not far away from Luton that offer really good nightlife, with close transport links to London, Watford and St Albans.

Yes. I played football for the whole year, both with full-time staff and other undergraduates/apprentices.