How have you seen your role develop since you first started?
I spent the first couple of weeks getting to grips with the working environment and learning what my role entailed. The start is always slow but since being in my role I have learnt an enormous amount about Customer Relationship Management. This has allowed me to not only develop my own skills but I have also been able to apply them to help improve the CRM system within the business.
How would you describe a typical working day?
A typical working day consists of me getting in around 8:30 and finishing around 5. Normally I’ll have a couple of meetings a day, some of which may be offsite. The work I do is challenging at times but that is what has kept me interested throughout my time here so far. If there are times I am really stuck when I’m doing something, I have my manager to help me out and provide their assistance, which I find so important for my development. There is a friendly atmosphere around the office with a lot of banter. It can, of course, get quite serious at times but that is expected especially when big projects are coming to a close. The office culture is definitely relaxed and people get on really well with each other.
What was a project you were proud to be part of?
A project that I completed was setting up the first Global Customer Relationship Management Conference. It was a two-day conference that got all CRM managers together from all over the world. I was in charge of finding a venue for the conference, and the hotel for 33 guests. This required me to do a lot of research and negotiation with different venues. I was then required to find transport for all the guests so that they could get to and from the venue as well as a restaurant for a 50-person dinner. I worked with internal stakeholders and the reprographics team to help make the conference a reality. The event was a huge success with everyone saying it exceeded their expectations which made me feel good about my contribution.
What’s the best thing about being part of the Undergraduate Programme?
The best part about being an undergraduate is exceeding your manager’s expectations. The different opportunities you have access to while on placement also means that if you want to gain an insight in another department you can. All you have to do is talk to your manager about it, and most of the time they are more than happy for you to broaden your horizons and learn more.
How would you describe your placement to a friend?
I’d say that people should be prepared to get outside of their comfort zones as there are chances while on placement here that you wouldn’t have anywhere else. Even if you’re doing things you haven’t done before that you have no clue about, there’s no harm in trying and learning.
