My placement at Vauxhall

At Coventry Business School, the opportunity to take a placement between your second and third years is available on all of our courses. Jessica Chand, an International Business Management BSc (Hons) student, secured a year-long placement with Vauxhall in Retail Marketing. We caught up with Jessica to find out how she is getting on.

What were your main responsibilities?

I worked within the retail marketing department arranging their marketing for all dealers around the UK. This included advertising on social media platforms, Google display, press adverts and digital display boards. I also worked with the regional marketing managers to ensure their marketing was all up to scratch.

Therefore, I was able to follow this up and do reports and presentations on the marketing.

Describe the experience and skills you developed?

My experience at Vauxhall was amazing. I am glad I did the placement year because I learnt so much. I was always doing different tasks whilst developing my existing skills, and enhancing new skills such as using Excel. Although, Excel seems really simple, I got to learn new functions that I applied on the job.

In addition to this, I developed my communication skills as I was able to liaise with different agencies and network with professionals.

Do you feel a placement year has enhanced your employability and why?

Yes definitely, because without this placement I wouldn’t have the experience I have now. After completing the placement I’ve realised how much I have developed as a person and all the key qualities I have gained from doing a year in industry that I can transfer to future jobs.

What advice would you give to students who are contemplating a year in industry?

I would definitely recommend it and even if you are unsure, I’d still say apply and just go for it, as you have nothing to lose. You can never go wrong with having additional experience as it enhances your employability.

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