Management intern Review

During my placement, my role was multifaceted and required balancing operational, administrative, and customer-facing responsibilities within a fast-paced environment. A typical day began with reviewing vehicle availability and ensuring that the fleet was prepared for upcoming reservations. This involved coordinating with colleagues to inspect vehicles, organise logistics for pick-ups and returns, and address unexpected challenges such as maintenance needs or last-minute booking changes.
Customer service was central to the role. I regularly interacted with clients both in person and over the phone, assisting with reservations, processing rental agreements, and resolving issues ranging from billing queries to service complaints. These interactions required a high degree of professionalism, empathy, and problem-solving ability, particularly when dealing with dissatisfied customers or time-sensitive demands.
Administrative duties were also integral, including completing paperwork, updating digital records, and contributing to branch performance reporting. This element of the role highlighted the importance of accuracy and efficiency, as errors could directly affect customer satisfaction and operational targets.
The role demanded constant multitasking and prioritisation, as I was often required to switch quickly between administrative tasks, customer engagement, and logistical problem-solving. Collaboration with team members was crucial to ensure the branch operated smoothly, particularly during peak business hours.
Overall, the role provided exposure to the full operational cycle of the organisation, from frontline customer service to back-office administration. It offered practical experience of working within a target-driven environment while developing interpersonal, organisational, and problem-solving skills.

I was given a significant level of responsibility during my placement, particularly in customer-facing and operational tasks. From the outset, I was trusted to handle rental agreements, manage bookings, and resolve customer queries independently. This autonomy was motivating, as it demonstrated that the organisation valued my contribution, but it also created pressure to make accurate and timely decisions. Mistakes had immediate consequences, such as customer dissatisfaction or delays in vehicle allocation, which reinforced the importance of accountability in a professional setting.
Over time, I was given greater responsibility in areas such as coordinating vehicle logistics, supporting branch performance targets, and assisting with corporate account management. However, responsibility was not evenly distributed across all aspects of the business. For example, while I was trusted with customer service and operational duties, I was given limited responsibility in financial decision-making or strategic planning, which narrowed opportunities for broader development.

New skills gained:
Conflict management
Presentation skills
Commercial awareness
Basic financial awareness
Existing skills further developed:
Customer communication
Empathy and active listening
Emotional intelligence
Time management
Organisation and prioritisation
Delegation
Problem-solving
Adaptability
Resilience
Teamwork and collaboration

I received a reasonable amount of support during my placement, mainly from colleagues who were approachable and happy to answer questions. Much of the guidance was informal, coming through shadowing and learning on the job rather than structured training. Managers offered advice when needed, but due to the busy and target-driven environment, their time for one-to-one support was limited.

The company culture was fast-paced and heavily target-driven, with a strong emphasis on customer service and achieving performance indicators. Teamwork was central to operations, and colleagues generally supported one another, which helped maintain a positive atmosphere despite the demands. High-performing employees were recognised each month through rewards, and staff were often treated to lunches or social nights out. These incentives created motivation and a sense of appreciation, balancing the pressures of the role with positive reinforcement. At times, the focus on KPIs made the environment stressful, but the combination of teamwork, recognition, and social activities fostered resilience and a strong sense of belonging within the branch.

I enjoyed my placement to a large extent, particularly the customer service and teamwork aspects. Building relationships with customers and receiving positive feedback was rewarding, and the supportive team environment made the experience engaging. The social side, such as team lunches and nights out, also added to the enjoyment and sense of belonging. However, the long hours could be draining, especially when combined with the high-pressure, target-driven environment, which at times made the role feel overwhelming. Some goals were also less enjoyable due to limited support and exposure. Overall, the placement was a valuable and positive experience, balancing professional growth with challenges that tested both my resilience and adaptability.

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