CRM Business Anayst Review

I have really enjoyed my placement year here at Vauxhall. I have been involved with several projects and it has been great to put what I have studied into practice in a real world environment (and interesting to see the difference!). The work I have done has been very interesting and challenging - which has really helped my enjoyment. Also everyone who I have interacted with since starting has been extremely helpful and I feel I have gained a lot of knowledge about the business and it's processes.

Since my first day I have felt valued by everyone I have worked with. I had a thorough induction and felt really welcomed into the company. If I had any issues or questions, they were able to resolve/answer them. The amount of responsibility that I have been given also shows that I am valued as an undergraduate. I have made presentations to the business on recommendations of how we can change their processes. The fact that they took these recommendations on board is an excellent feeling. Overall I feel that undergraduates are treated to the same level as all other employees.

I been given lots of support and guidance throughout my placement at Vauxhall. The 2 week handover was crucial for me to gain as much knowledge as I could from the undergraduate I was taking over from. This involved meeting with the team I'd be working with and out manager. I feel that these meetings were really useful to make me feel welcome into the team and for me to learn as much as possible about my role. I also had several one on one meetings with my manager to make sure that I understood everything and to ask any questions I had. The fact that I also sit very close to my manager also helps if I have any questions.

I was very busy on a daily basis, I always had work to do. It was very clear what work I needed to complete and when. I had regular meetings with the IT team and the business. The work was challenging but interesting and very rewarding.

The responsibility has been one of the best things about my placement year. I have been given lots! I am the main contact for all of the Telephony on our project which can seems daunting but I am very much enjoying it.

My placement year will definitely assist me in my future studies and beyond. Both technological skills (SAP, Sharepoint, and telephony systems) and transferable skills (phone, email and face to face). Working in such a global company has also hoped as I can see myself working in one in the future.

Since moving into our new office in the new year the general office environment has improved. However is is rather empty - lots of people work from home - but this does reduce noise levels. Also, personally it is very warm in the office and it's not even the main summer months yet - air-con is needed.

The assessment centres are held too late in the year. Lots of students have already accepted offers from elsewhere - hence the high drop out rate in this year's assessment centres. Most large companies tend to have secured students by Christmas/end of Jan latest. However the online application, test and assessment centres themselves are conducted very well. Also the organisation of houses is excellent.

Many training courses are provided, both physical attendance and online courses are available to take. Vauxhall/GM are heavily focused that employees are correctly and adequately trained.

There is not an postgraduate scheme in place at Vauxhall, it just depends on if you make a good enough impression and that there is actually a viable job at the end of it.

There is a good social scene as there are around 100 other undergraduates on placement, many who live together in a house. Everyone is very keen to get to know each other and there are plenty of activities around that everyone can do.

Fairly good. Luton and its surrounding areas are not too expensive at all. I pay under £300 per month for my house which is shared with 5 other undergraduates and only a 5/10 minutes drive to and from work.

Not brilliant in Luton - the main club has just shut down. However London and Watford are not too far away where there are plenty of restaurants, bars and clubs.

There are plenty of activities that are organised outside of work - nights out, department meals, rounds competition, quizzes, London to Brighton bike ride.