How did you secure your placement?
I secured my Amazon Operations Internship (3 months) via LinkedIn. An Amazon recruiter reached out to me from viewing my profile which contained history of previous work experiences I had taken part in. I believe as a student it is extremely important to have a strong, professional LinkedIn account, updating experiences along your journey. This can bring so many opportunities as there are lots of companies recruiters looking through university students accounts to find people who match their work culture and goals.
Why did you choose to do a placement?
I was always interested in expanding my work experience and heard how important placements are to increase the opportunity of being hired once being a graduate. I wanted to increase my practical experience and explore career options prior to graduating. The main goal was to gain invaluable experience which would both give me insight into what a career in the industry would be like and also to strengthen my CV so I can stand out once graduating and applying for jobs. Due to the format of my internship, subject to successful completion and matching the companies principles, I was offered a graduate role as an area manager. I have accepted this offer and managed to secure a graduate job from the placement opportunity. Which highlights the impact these opportunities can have!
Tell us about a typical day on placement.
My internship placement 10 hours a day, four days a week for the three months. A typical day for included talking to many Amazon associates and collecting data to assist in solving the problems working towards the completion of a larger project.
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What skills have you learnt from your placement?
This whole experience really shaped me as a professional and prepared me for the working world as a graduate. I spoke with many professionals in the industry, helping me gain insights into other possible job roles. I would specifically say I learnt project management, data analysis, adaptability and team working. I was faced with practical experience, identify process improvements within my projects area and the final outcome was to produce a white paper on all findings and improvements made within my time at Amazon, with a few suggestions of my own.
What is your favourite memory from your placement so far?
I enjoyed having the independence and control to manage my own project, allowing me to approach it in my own way.
How has this placement helped your career aspirations?
The placement helped me identify how a hands-on a non-office based job was what I wanted to do. The ability to have an impact on such a large company and industry increased interest in the logistics industry and created a huge interest and passion to work for Amazon once graduated.
Why did you choose to study your course?
Initially I chose to study business due to its wide range of employment possibilities and opportunities, now having completed my degree I am extremely happy that I chose to study business , it has created a passion for me to create my own company one day whilst providing me with so many business skills.
Do you have any advice for someone starting a placement?
From my experience my biggest piece of advice I would give anyone starting an internship is to speak to anyone and everyone you can at the company. This can open up so many unexpected opportunities and broaden knowledge on the different kinds of job roles around and what they entail. It can help you build an idea of the kind of job and career you really want to explore.