Meet Nathan from IT

Why did you decide to apply for a placement at PepsiCo?

The way I discovered PepsiCo was quite funny, it was the last stall I visited at the Careers fair – I just saw the Walkers stand and went over for a bag of free crisps (as you do)! I picked up a leaflet and looked through it and PepsiCo's website. One of my friends had already applied so he offered to help me out with the application process so I decided to apply!

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 with all the students on placements this year, a lot better than I thought! They're more friends than other employees which is great. It really makes you want to come to work every day!

What does your typical day at PepsiCo involve?

Day to day I support Oracle Financials, as well as that I'm also in charge of a Content Management System which is a good deal of responsibility; especially for a placement student!

What's the best thing about working at PepsiCo?

The inclusive nature at PepsiCo is probably the best thing about working here. The amount of responsibility they give you is pretty amazing too. You come into work every day and you dont feel like a bit part; you feel as if they'd struggle without you – which is great! I know a couple of people on other placements who are having to ask for things to do whereas at pepsico they gauge you at the beginning and throw more work at you.

What's the worst thing about working at PepsiCo?

My commute is quite tedious – 45 minutes each way is a bit dull! When you first start at PepsiCo, you're given so much responsibility (but in a supportive team environment) that in your first few weeks you're learning every day. I felt, during the first few weeks, like a liability because I didn't know everything. Getting over that initial period of not knowing things was quite difficult – and frustrating!

Had you heard of PepsiCo before you applied for a student placement?

I didn't really know PepsiCo well, I'd heard of Tropicana, Walkers and Pepsi but had no idea who owned them.

What was the application process like?

We didn't really have a strict induction, the first couple of days were full of meetings but the induction process has been nice and slow – and PepsiCo have eased us into more and more work which is better than a rushed two week induction. It's great growing with the business; it's been quite organic rather than it all being forced upon us at one time.

Have you got any advice for potential applicants for next year's student placements?

I think my main piece of advice would be take your time. Apply early and get your application in – there's nothing worse than rushing an application. In the Pep application there are three or four questions at the start of the process, take your time with those questions. Your answers to those questions are scrutinised before your interview!

How would you sum up working at PepsiCo?

We're only here for a year but I already feel like a permanent member of staff. It feels like I'm in a team of people who really need you and want you to work here. It makes coming to work so much easier if you enjoy what you do!