Scholarship Programme Case Studies

I am writing this on my last day of my summer placement. Now that I think about it, 8 weeks has just flown by. I was placed within a training development team in my very first week; and then tasked with adding gamification to their current E-Learning.

After a varied induction, consisting of a crash course of what a learner would go through with the company’s current training and a rather comprehensive training session on their software, this at first gave me an idea of what they had, what they wanted me to achieve and how I would go about starting to create this. I moved onto playing around with the program for a few days, exploring possibilities, creating my own content and becoming very confused when something did not work. But through this process, I quickly learnt the limitations of what the software could do and my own limitations, both on time that I was here and what I could create. I then presented to my team, getting feedback and new direction, showcasing what I had created. And as far as I am aware, they all liked it a lot and received it well!

So after all of that, I know that I have definitely made an impact and that my work will be used after I leave. It’s fulfilling to say the least. I am hoping this blog will give you a view into what this placement was like, what a possible career with Motability Operations is like, no matter what you study, you can find a place within a company and I really do urge you to apply for the Programme. From the people you meet, people you work with and a company that accepts you, for being you…I would say this programme has been second to none!
 

Working at Motability Operations throughout the Scholarship Programme has given me a unique and diverse insight into the world of business. Over the course of my placement I was offered the opportunity to experience a variety of areas within the Customer Services department, including management, training, internal communications and forecasting.

Each area I was placed in made me feel welcome, valued and helped me to develop new knowledge and skills that will greatly enhance my prospects in the future. I also had numerous opportunities to experience other sections beyond my own, giving me a firm grasp of the different cogs and wheels that keep the business running.

The Scholarship Programme is a rewarding challenge that allows you to work as part of an amazing team of people. It puts a great deal of trust in you, gradually providing more responsibility to carry out complex tasks and projects as you become more confident in your abilities during the placement.

I would highly recommend Motability Operations. Combined with the organisation's purpose to provide help to its customers, and the multi-layered business model, it is one of the most exciting and interesting companies to work and be part of.
 

I first joined Motability Operations in July 2014 on the scholarship programme after completing a comprehensive recruitment process in October 2013. The recruitment process consisted of an application form then a telephone interview and finally an assessment centre at the Bristol offices consisting of a panel interview and a case study exercise.

My first placement was in the Vehicle Remarketing Department in Bristol providing support on all four sub-teams: Stock and Sales Support, Online and Credit Support, Logistics and Asset Support and Customer Support. I learnt a great deal about the final processes in the car leasing procedure and developed market knowledge of the used car market.

After finishing my degree I returned to Motability Operations to complete my second and final scholarship placement. I was based within the Finance team in London providing administrative support. The role involved; processing and printing cheques, matching payments to bank records and cancelling misprinted cheques using the SAP system.

During my placement I applied for an internal position with the Pricing Team and after completing the assessment process I was offered a permanent position.

Motability Operations is a very disability friendly organisation; employees receive a full day of disability confidence training, there is a Disability Networking Group which meets regularly and there is a detailed reasonable adjustment process.

Motability Operations is a truly unique and rewarding business where employees are committed to their role and well looked after. I would encourage other students to apply for this extremely beneficial and rewarding scheme.

My placement within the Complaints Team has been very rewarding and has allowed me to experience things that I would otherwise not have had the opportunity to experience. It has been fantastic being able to work within such a professional environment where everyone is still incredibly friendly and welcoming.

The project that I was given to work on has not only helped me to develop my personal skills but it has also emphasised the importance of considering the wider impact it will have on the rest of the team. I have thoroughly enjoyed being introduced to the many different departments throughout the company and learning about all the processes that go into Motability Operations. Being a Motability customer myself it has been great to see the company from the opposite view and learn about all the work that goes into such a great service provided to their customers.

The time I have spent here really has been so useful and I now have the experience that will help me when I get a job in the future. Without this opportunity I would not have had such an interesting, productive and informative summer. I could not recommend the programme highly enough.
I have really enjoyed my time here and I am sad to be leaving. I am already looking forward to my placement next summer!
 

Being on the Scholarship Programme has been a fantastic experience for me and has given me the opportunity to develop my professional experience in the workplace throughout the summer months of my university degree.

One of the most memorable aspects of the placement for me was learning the value & importance of teamwork in creating and running a successful organisation. I also learned that while it is great to achieve success, the true testament to Motability Operations is the sustainability of that success and overcoming the challenges which could potentially impact the long term future for both staff and its people. Becoming part of a vital team which makes this business operate so successfully has allowed me to develop my social and interpersonal skills and gave me a real insight in the professional environment. The teams I have had the privilege of working in have always been very welcoming and supportive in trying to enhance my knowledge in the given area.

I would definitely recommend the Scholarship Programme to my peers. I do not believe I can stress enough how working here will give you a well rounded and invaluable experience. The programme really does provide a true insight into working in a professional environment, and while this remains true, the lasting memory for me will be the friendliness and integrity each staff member approached their day to day activities with.

Overall I have had an unforgettable and invaluable experience which I am entirely confident will give me the support I need to move into a permanent role once my university experience is complete.