Meet Josh from IT
Josh Baxter is studying IT and Business at Loughborough University. On his 12 month placement at PepsiCo in Theale, Josh works within the IT team.
Why did you decide to apply for a placement at PepsiCo?
When applying, they seemed so welcoming and I felt I'd get the best experience in terms of coming back into a work environment after Uni. It just felt like I'd get involved and do a real job; instead of just making coffee all the time!
How well do you get on with your fellow students, and how important have they been to you settling in at PepsiCo?
I get on really well, we socialise a lot! It helps having Hayley and Alex living in Reading – we can just go for a few drinks after work etc. So yeah, we all get on really well. Better than I thought we would!
What does your typical day at PepsiCo involve?
My typical day usually starts around 8/8.30am and checking all the support calls – I'm supporting all the sales guys out on the road so I've got to check if there any problems etc. Other than that it varies, because at the moment I'm doing project work so I'm offsite quite a lot.
What's the best thing about working at PepsiCo?
How involved they've got me. Being on the project so early on has been fantastic.
What's the worst thing about working at PepsiCo?
Living at home I guess, I've got quite a long commute coming in every day!
Had you heard of PepsiCo before you applied for a student placement?
I'd heard of Pepsi and Walkers, but not PepsiCo as a company.
What was the application process like?
Really good actually; easy, nice and relaxed. A lot of companies have lots of tests before you apply but the interview processes at PepsiCo are so easy and relaxed they're really good!
Have you got any advice for potential applicants for next year's student placements?
Apply early, PepsiCo were so organised I had my placement offer before Christmas! I was one of the first of my friends and it was really good to have it early.
How would you sum up working at PepsiCo?
It's a really good experience, I feel like I'm really adding something to my CV. I feel like when I come out of Uni I'm not going to have to worry too much about getting a job and I'll hopefully be above the rest of the field.