Placement Experience: Retailer Support Executive- Volkswagen Group - Preena Pattni

What motivated you to pursue an optional placement year?

I decided to do a placement year because I wanted to get real-world experience and see how the things I’ve been learning in my course apply in practice. Working in a big company like Volkswagen gave me a chance to understand how the automotive industry operates and figure out what career path excites me the most.

It also helped me improve skills like working with different teams and communicating with all kinds of people, which has been super valuable. Plus, I got to build connections and be part of projects that felt rewarding. Overall, it was a great way to grow professionally and personally while getting a better idea of what I want to do in the future and has helped with applying for graduate jobs.

How many placement applications did you make? 

I applied to around 10–15 positions, focusing on ones that matched my skills and career goals. I started by getting my CV reviewed by the Careers Service and made sure to tailor my CV and cover letter to each role, highlighting relevant experiences and skills. I also researched companies that aligned with my interests, especially in the automotive industry, and made a list of roles I was excited about. The placement team also helped with feedback on my applications and helped me prepare for interviews.

What tips would you give to students about balancing placement applications with university studies?

I would recommend starting early with researching applying as different companies have different submission dates and waiting for responses and interviews can be time consuming. I would integrate within your weekly tasks and uni work so when you need a break from coursework or revision, you can have a look at what jobs are around. I also find job searching to be motivating when struggling with uni work as it reminds me of the end goal!

What were your main concerns about taking a placement year?

Adjusting to the corporate lifestyle was definitely a shift, but it was a valuable learning experience. At first, it was a bit overwhelming to move from the flexibility of university life to the structured 9-to-5 routine. I had to get used to early mornings, different deadlines, and managing multiple tasks at once. What helped was setting up a routine—I’d plan my day, take proper breaks, and make sure to relax or work out after hours to recharge. Over time, I got used to the pace and even started to enjoy the structure.

How did you adjust to a new workplace environment, and what resources or support helped you during this transition? 

At first, it was a bit overwhelming—getting used to the office culture, meeting new colleagues, and understanding how everything worked but I was able to become more and more comfortable as the year went on. I made an effort to learn about the company’s values, the way teams communicated, and the tools or systems they used. I also wasn’t afraid to ask questions as it showed I was eager to learn and helped me avoid mistakes. Support from my manager and teammates was key. They were open to giving guidance and made me feel comfortable reaching out whenever I needed help.

Any challenges have you faced during your placement, and how have you overcome them?

One of the challenges I faced during my placement was working in a team that was short-staffed whilst recruiting for a new member. This meant I had to take on extra responsibilities or tasks outside my usual role to help keep things running smoothly. While it was initially overwhelming, I saw it as an opportunity to step up and show initiative. I focused on prioritising tasks and staying organised, ensuring that the most critical work was completed on time. I also leaned on my team for support and communicated openly if I needed clarification or help with a task

What has been the most rewarding part of your placement and why?

Contributing to meaningful projects, like improving customer journeys, managing my own marketing campaign and enhancing business performance, gave me a real sense of accomplishment. I’ve also loved building connections with my colleagues. Working alongside such talented people taught me a lot, and being part of a team where my ideas were listened to and appreciated made the whole experience so much better. On a personal level, I’ve grown a lot too. I’ve become more confident, improved my communication and organisational skills, and pushed myself out of my comfort zone.

Has your placement experience influenced your perspective on your chosen career path or field of study?

The experience has made me even more excited about pursuing a career in the automotive industry. I’ve learned how diverse and fast-paced the field is, and I’ve realised how many opportunities there are to grow and contribute. It also confirmed that I enjoy roles where I can work with people, solve problems, and have a direct impact on the business.

Would you recommend the placement year to other students?

Absolutely! It’s really interesting to see how your learning can be applied into a real life setting and then returning back to uni, all the content makes more sense because you did it in the workplace. It is also a great chance to pick up new skills, meet people in your field, and see what your career could actually be like. 

I would recommend starting early and try not to feel demotivated if you get rejections, learn from it and use it to better yourself for the next application - it will all work out in the end!