How have you seen your role develop since you first started?
My first few weeks were spent being introduced to the various teams and functions within Trading Division, getting brought up to speed on my own job role, and learning the inner day-to-day workings of the business. Initially, it was a lot of information to take on, and difficult to digest. My training was mainly on-the-job. My supervisor would take me through processes and tasks during the role, rather than structured, classroom-based learning. After a couple of months, I felt fully integrated into my working team, and confident in my ability to carry out processes. In the run up to Christmas, I began to feel like a fully-fledged employee.
How would you describe a typical working day?
Typically, my working day runs from 8 to 4:30, with a half an hour lunch (for a cheeky trip to Tesco to get a meal deal). Throughout the day, I will typically have a couple of meetings, but when it comes to the end of the month I have a lot more meetings and reviews with vendors.
What was a project you were proud to be part of?
The project I was set at the beginning of my placement was to create a high-level executive financial summary document that was to be distributed to management and directors. The aim of this project was to create a quick-and-easy-to-use, high-level reference that would influence management decision-making. Having no structure or template to begin with, the most challenging but rewarding part of this project was having a blank canvas to create my own.
How would you describe the undergraduate community at Jaguar Land Rover?
Within Trading Division, there is a strong bond between the undergraduates and graduates. Getting involved in activities outside of working hours, such as 5-a-side football, has helped me to get to know and develop relationships with other graduates and employees outside of my direct contact.
What’s the best thing about being part of the Undergraduate Programme?
The greatest advantage of being on the Undergraduate Programme is the exposure to real-life working environment challenges and situations, and developing yourself to tackle these challenges. Compared to university, the Undergraduate Programme gives a better and more realistic insight into the world of work, and the experience to leapfrog over other candidates when applying for further jobs in the future. It is very encouraging to witness your own personal development and increased responsibility too, as you progress through the programme. It is a great opportunity to gain a good understanding of a particular working area that you’re interested in, with so many extracurricular opportunities available.
How would you describe your placement to a friend?
Challenging but rewarding. Definitely worth it, I would encourage anyone to apply.
