Associate
I too am and Project Analyst doing a similar role, you don't happen to work in the defence industry do you ?
Jobs - A little bit about what you do and perks
- Thread starter KaHn
- Start date
I too am and Project Analyst doing a similar role, you don't happen to work in the defence industry do you ?
Soldato
Had that job and really couldnt stand it
I'm not in a store though - I'm in the distribution centre so i dont have to deal with customers
Loving it so far, apart from the sore feet
![[TW]Fox](/data/man-of-honor/2009.png){kind=avatar}
Soldato
Job
Systems Data Analyst
Day to day
The company I work for monitors levels of beer delivered and dispensed at thousands of pubs across the UK. I am assigned so many "sites" per week and I analyse the data which comes in and check for disprepencies. The data is downloaded from each site by GPRS. After completing my sites I create a report which is then put online for the area managers of the pub companies to view. That's it in a very simple way.
Overall Job
I'm office based but there is sometimes the oppourtunity to go out with an engineer to see the equipment being set up in the pub cellars.
Perks
It requires no effort whatsoever. It's a pretty laid back job and the work level is acceptable and can work at my own pace. I also work with some great people. Also get pension and share options.
Downsides
Work can sometimes be mundane. It's exciting as you make it
Education?
A Level Applied IT
A Level Business Studies.
Various GCSE's/GNVQ
Do you like your job?
Yup.
Systems Data Analyst
Day to day
The company I work for monitors levels of beer delivered and dispensed at thousands of pubs across the UK. I am assigned so many "sites" per week and I analyse the data which comes in and check for disprepencies. The data is downloaded from each site by GPRS. After completing my sites I create a report which is then put online for the area managers of the pub companies to view. That's it in a very simple way.
Overall Job
I'm office based but there is sometimes the oppourtunity to go out with an engineer to see the equipment being set up in the pub cellars.
Perks
It requires no effort whatsoever. It's a pretty laid back job and the work level is acceptable and can work at my own pace. I also work with some great people. Also get pension and share options.
Downsides
Work can sometimes be mundane. It's exciting as you make it
Education?
A Level Applied IT
A Level Business Studies.
Various GCSE's/GNVQ
Do you like your job?
Yup.
Company
Competitor (games retailer)
Day to day
Serving customers. Selling consoles and add-on sales. General up-keep. Stock takes.
Perks
I can buy games as soon as they come into the shop, even if thats a week or a month before their release. Unless its embargoed like GTA4.
I can borrow any pre-owned game/console for up to 2 weeks for free.
Awesome discounts.
Downsides
Boring at times
Education?
Im at uni. Its a part time job.
Do you like your job?
People are good. Job is boring. Perks are awesome.
Competitor (games retailer)
Day to day
Serving customers. Selling consoles and add-on sales. General up-keep. Stock takes.
Perks
I can buy games as soon as they come into the shop, even if thats a week or a month before their release. Unless its embargoed like GTA4.
I can borrow any pre-owned game/console for up to 2 weeks for free.
Awesome discounts.
Downsides
Boring at times
Education?
Im at uni. Its a part time job.
Do you like your job?
People are good. Job is boring. Perks are awesome.
Soldato
Job
Heating Installation Engineer
Company
British Gas. I'm hoping I don't need to explain that one
Day to day
Currenty on summer hours (34 hours a week) as no one uses heating during the summer so we get less jobs. I usually work 8.30-3.30 Monday to Thursday (doesn't matter what I work as long as I do 34 man hours).
Usually spend most of my time holed in up airing cupboards, up in lofts, on roofs and of course, drinking coffee.
Perks
Awesome pension scheme, discounts on just about everything (I swear Centrica either own or have owned everyone else in the UK at some point), tools, van and fuel paid for and I work from home so it's tax free. Completely flexable working hours, just over 5 weeks paid holiday and a decent wage to top it off.
Downsides
Winter days are long, especially when you're outside or if the heating's off. You get absolutely filthy and covered in fibreglass when working in lofts.
My van was due for replacement 2 years ago and keeps breaking down
Education?
Spent 10 months at the training center in Leeds (commuting from Nottingham every day) to get CORGI registration as well as a heap of NVQ's and other related qualifications.
Do you like your job?
Yup I love it.
Heating Installation Engineer
Company
British Gas. I'm hoping I don't need to explain that one
Day to day
Currenty on summer hours (34 hours a week) as no one uses heating during the summer so we get less jobs. I usually work 8.30-3.30 Monday to Thursday (doesn't matter what I work as long as I do 34 man hours).
Usually spend most of my time holed in up airing cupboards, up in lofts, on roofs and of course, drinking coffee.
Perks
Awesome pension scheme, discounts on just about everything (I swear Centrica either own or have owned everyone else in the UK at some point
), tools, van and fuel paid for and I work from home so it's tax free. Completely flexable working hours, just over 5 weeks paid holiday and a decent wage to top it off.Downsides
Winter days are long, especially when you're outside or if the heating's off. You get absolutely filthy and covered in fibreglass when working in lofts.
My van was due for replacement 2 years ago and keeps breaking down
Education?
Spent 10 months at the training center in Leeds (commuting from Nottingham every day) to get CORGI registration as well as a heap of NVQ's and other related qualifications.
Do you like your job?
Yup I love it.
Soldato
Job
I'm an Electrical Engineer (student summer job).
Company
SR Drives Ltd.
http://www.srdrives.co.uk/
I'm on a summer placement with the above company. The company manufactures high performance motors and drive systems. I've just finished my first year of uni (see below) and am working here for about 9 weeks.
Day to day
I'm working on a project involving hybrid drive systems for large HGVs for a US customer. This involves mostly assembling and testing traction control and power management circuits. I'm also doing other assorted bits and bobs - basically a technician's role at the moment.
Overall Job
No idea really, I've only been here 2 weeks.
Perks
Get to play with loads of heavy machinery and some very expensive lab equipment.
Good experience.
Downsides
Having to commute to Harrogate from Leeds every day.
Education?
1st year of an MEng at Cambridge University with a 2:1.
A Levels in Maths, Physics and Chemistry
Do you like your job?
It's awesome. I'm learning loads, working with some very clever and entertaining people and getting paid lots more than my old job in a pub/restaurant.
I'm an Electrical Engineer (student summer job).
Company
SR Drives Ltd.
http://www.srdrives.co.uk/
I'm on a summer placement with the above company. The company manufactures high performance motors and drive systems. I've just finished my first year of uni (see below) and am working here for about 9 weeks.
Day to day
I'm working on a project involving hybrid drive systems for large HGVs for a US customer. This involves mostly assembling and testing traction control and power management circuits. I'm also doing other assorted bits and bobs - basically a technician's role at the moment.
Overall Job
No idea really, I've only been here 2 weeks.
Perks
Get to play with loads of heavy machinery and some very expensive lab equipment.
Good experience.
Downsides
Having to commute to Harrogate from Leeds every day.
Education?
1st year of an MEng at Cambridge University with a 2:1.
A Levels in Maths, Physics and Chemistry
Do you like your job?
It's awesome. I'm learning loads, working with some very clever and entertaining people and getting paid lots more than my old job in a pub/restaurant.
Job
Nursery Assistant
Company
A nursery in Enfield
Day to day
Feeding children, throwing them around, making them go to sleep, shouting, etc etc
Overall Job
Just a whole lot of running around
Perks
I get free lunch, does that count? Plus the kids are pretty sweet
Downsides
Working looooooong hours.. being too tired to play wow when i get home
Education?
GCSE's, A levels and LLB Law
Do you like your job?
Yes! Although, it is only a stepping stone to becoming a primary teacher, it's pretty fun for my first job since finishing uni.. even if the pay is ridiculously low!
Nursery Assistant
Company
A nursery in Enfield
Day to day
Feeding children, throwing them around, making them go to sleep, shouting, etc etc
Overall Job
Just a whole lot of running around
Perks
I get free lunch, does that count? Plus the kids are pretty sweet
Downsides
Working looooooong hours.. being too tired to play wow when i get home
Education?
GCSE's, A levels and LLB Law
Do you like your job?
Yes! Although, it is only a stepping stone to becoming a primary teacher, it's pretty fun for my first job since finishing uni.. even if the pay is ridiculously low!
Job
I am a Financial Analyst.
Company
I work for Ford Motor Company. (A lot of finance roles are actually for Ford Financial, I work for the Motor Company itself)
http://www.ford.co.uk
Day to day
My actual role is a Non Product Capital Spending Analyst/Engineering Budget Analyst.
At the moment it is 2 jobs really (although only takes up time for 1 full time).
I review, forecast, analyse and report for Non Product Capital Expenditure for Ford Europe, including Manufacturing, Purchasing, Marketing & Sales and so on. Monthly and Quarterly timings obviously get very busy, trying to get information etc from all areas and report these to our Product Development Controller.
I may get specific tasks, analysing past trends or looking into projects for an area if the controller asks also.
Other side is I administrate the engineering expense budget plan. I.E. transferring budget for say....labour, from one cost centre/area, to another if it is agreed to, and report on this also.
Also analysing and contributing to the overall annual Business Plan for Ford Europe.
Overall Job
Its a brilliant job as I get close to product devopment and have knowledge of future vehicles etc. As I love cars and the motor industry as a whole I love it as it really gives a big insight into competitiveness, innovations, what other companies are doing, how it affects everything, what commodities prices are doing to us etc and I really feel involved in the company.
A lot of operations are also in Germany, so travelling there can be frequent depending on role, I've been once so far. (Ford have a jet which commutes there and back daily from Southend Airport)
As I'm on the graduate role its great as next year I hope to go into some cost saving areas (i.e. Cost Estimating, team value management etc), or internal audit, lots of travel. There are LOTS of opportunities within the company, working abroad in new markets as well as over in the USA, Germany etc.
The work sounds boring and busy, but I find it interesting, combined with flexible working hours (most turn up at 8 and bugger off at 4, I'm a lazy ass so turn up at 9), and due to security I cant do my work at home, and there are no late nights (every right just to say..I'll finish tomorrow. Unless you've been a lazy plank and leave it till the deadline), I have a proper lunch, get a chance for walkabouts and its really a good working 'environment'.
Perks
Brilliant pay, would even be chuffed getting this if I worked in the City. HR and Diversity are a huge thing here and there isn't any detrimental workplace politics (so far!). Driving new cars, obviously discounts, Defined Pension (final salary) and more.
When you get to leadership level (maybe in about 4-6 years?) you can have Company car, as the car is shown as an asset of the company and is made by the company you dont pay tax and only a small monthly charge based on value of the vehicle, NOT the emissions. Then bonuses etc. I havent really looked into what you get at a higher level.
They are teaching me CIMA which is great, get days off work for this as well as revision days.
Ford really love for you to have a REALLY varied career path within the company, I mean REALLY varied! As in I could move from Capex Analyst to Internal Auditor, Accounting, Profit Analysis, Commodity Business Plan, Engineering Budget Analyst, list goes on, I've even toyed with the idea of having a stint as an engineer!
Downsides
I wish I was in a role where I was travelling more, I speak to people in Germany a LOT, and wish I could visit more. But that can change easily as I said with the varied career path. Thats all I can think of now. Except for the offices, quite bland, boring.
The Development centre really is in the middle of nowhere, close to Basildon, but thats a couple of miles out. Obviously to accommodate the test track etc but theres not really anywhere to go during work (i.e. cant pop out to buy something etc)
Education?
I obviously got onto the Graduate Scheme, I think they chucked me into Product Development Finance as I have a BEng Mech. Eng degree, and it really helps my understanding of whats going on (Especially when some punk engineer tries to overspend and justify it and tries to confuse you!) But like most large companies in a Finance role they take from any area of degree, so long as you can prove you're up to it (either experience or whatever)
As I said before they are teaching me CIMA also which is great, hopefully I want to find a way to get IEng status also in the future. And after that maybe an MBA.
Basically if you're bright and have knowledge of the motor industry you have a chance.
Do you like your job?
Yes I love it, I wanted to work here since I was about 14, however back then I wanted to be an automotive engineer here for Team RS. But as I learned engineering I preferred business/finance, so, bit weird that I still ended up in the same building I wanted to work in.
Hope that helps
I am a Financial Analyst.
Company
I work for Ford Motor Company. (A lot of finance roles are actually for Ford Financial, I work for the Motor Company itself)
http://www.ford.co.uk
Day to day
My actual role is a Non Product Capital Spending Analyst/Engineering Budget Analyst.
At the moment it is 2 jobs really (although only takes up time for 1 full time).
I review, forecast, analyse and report for Non Product Capital Expenditure for Ford Europe, including Manufacturing, Purchasing, Marketing & Sales and so on. Monthly and Quarterly timings obviously get very busy, trying to get information etc from all areas and report these to our Product Development Controller.
I may get specific tasks, analysing past trends or looking into projects for an area if the controller asks also.
Other side is I administrate the engineering expense budget plan. I.E. transferring budget for say....labour, from one cost centre/area, to another if it is agreed to, and report on this also.
Also analysing and contributing to the overall annual Business Plan for Ford Europe.
Overall Job
Its a brilliant job as I get close to product devopment and have knowledge of future vehicles etc. As I love cars and the motor industry as a whole I love it as it really gives a big insight into competitiveness, innovations, what other companies are doing, how it affects everything, what commodities prices are doing to us etc and I really feel involved in the company.
A lot of operations are also in Germany, so travelling there can be frequent depending on role, I've been once so far. (Ford have a jet which commutes there and back daily from Southend Airport)
As I'm on the graduate role its great as next year I hope to go into some cost saving areas (i.e. Cost Estimating, team value management etc), or internal audit, lots of travel. There are LOTS of opportunities within the company, working abroad in new markets as well as over in the USA, Germany etc.
The work sounds boring and busy, but I find it interesting, combined with flexible working hours (most turn up at 8 and bugger off at 4, I'm a lazy ass so turn up at 9), and due to security I cant do my work at home, and there are no late nights (every right just to say..I'll finish tomorrow. Unless you've been a lazy plank and leave it till the deadline), I have a proper lunch, get a chance for walkabouts and its really a good working 'environment'.
Perks
Brilliant pay, would even be chuffed getting this if I worked in the City. HR and Diversity are a huge thing here and there isn't any detrimental workplace politics (so far!). Driving new cars, obviously discounts, Defined Pension (final salary) and more.
When you get to leadership level (maybe in about 4-6 years?) you can have Company car, as the car is shown as an asset of the company and is made by the company you dont pay tax and only a small monthly charge based on value of the vehicle, NOT the emissions. Then bonuses etc. I havent really looked into what you get at a higher level.
They are teaching me CIMA which is great, get days off work for this as well as revision days.
Ford really love for you to have a REALLY varied career path within the company, I mean REALLY varied! As in I could move from Capex Analyst to Internal Auditor, Accounting, Profit Analysis, Commodity Business Plan, Engineering Budget Analyst, list goes on, I've even toyed with the idea of having a stint as an engineer!
Downsides
I wish I was in a role where I was travelling more, I speak to people in Germany a LOT, and wish I could visit more. But that can change easily as I said with the varied career path. Thats all I can think of now. Except for the offices, quite bland, boring.
The Development centre really is in the middle of nowhere, close to Basildon, but thats a couple of miles out. Obviously to accommodate the test track etc but theres not really anywhere to go during work (i.e. cant pop out to buy something etc)
Education?
I obviously got onto the Graduate Scheme, I think they chucked me into Product Development Finance as I have a BEng Mech. Eng degree, and it really helps my understanding of whats going on (Especially when some punk engineer tries to overspend and justify it and tries to confuse you!) But like most large companies in a Finance role they take from any area of degree, so long as you can prove you're up to it (either experience or whatever)
As I said before they are teaching me CIMA also which is great, hopefully I want to find a way to get IEng status also in the future. And after that maybe an MBA.
Basically if you're bright and have knowledge of the motor industry you have a chance.
Do you like your job?
Yes I love it, I wanted to work here since I was about 14, however back then I wanted to be an automotive engineer here for Team RS. But as I learned engineering I preferred business/finance, so, bit weird that I still ended up in the same building I wanted to work in.
Hope that helps
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Man of Honour
Sadly the obvious perks of my job would get me several years in Chokey.
M
M
Soldato
Job
Sales Executive
Company
Mercedes Benz of Newcastle
Day to day
I spend a lot of time preparing for customers to come in, by prospecting cold customers and previous customers, I qualify customers needs and match them with suitable solutions, I demonstate vehicles to them, I appraise part exchange vehicles, I put together deals - cash and finance, I deliver cars to customers and I do a lot of admin in between.
Overall Job
I sell nice new and used Mercedes Benz to nice people and the occasional horrible people.
Perks
I get a new Mercedes Benz every 3 months, I get a fuel card, my car is always clean, and well I get paid well.
Downsides
Work from 8:45am to 6:30pm 4 days during the week, and 9am to 5pm Saturdays.
Dealership politics, a lot of people don't like the job you do and the money you earn so they try and make your life more difficult!
Education?
10 A-C GCSEs
3 A levels
And quite a few career related qualifications and accreditations.
Do you like your job?
Absolutely, even more so when I'm busy and selling loads!
Sales Executive
Company
Mercedes Benz of Newcastle
Day to day
I spend a lot of time preparing for customers to come in, by prospecting cold customers and previous customers, I qualify customers needs and match them with suitable solutions, I demonstate vehicles to them, I appraise part exchange vehicles, I put together deals - cash and finance, I deliver cars to customers and I do a lot of admin in between.
Overall Job
I sell nice new and used Mercedes Benz to nice people and the occasional horrible people.
Perks
I get a new Mercedes Benz every 3 months, I get a fuel card, my car is always clean, and well I get paid well.
Downsides
Work from 8:45am to 6:30pm 4 days during the week, and 9am to 5pm Saturdays.
Dealership politics, a lot of people don't like the job you do and the money you earn so they try and make your life more difficult!
Education?
10 A-C GCSEs
3 A levels
And quite a few career related qualifications and accreditations.
Do you like your job?
Absolutely, even more so when I'm busy and selling loads!
Associate
I worked in drivers medical central input for 8 months last year, can't say it was that bad, although I never really got really settled in there for the long haul.
Now I work for:
COMPANY: *****
DAY TO DAY: Testing computer hardware and writing reviews.
PERKS: Get to see and use latest computer hardware before most people.
DOWNSIDES: Long hours, don't really care much for Borehamwood where the 'labs' are.
EDUCATION: I had 1 A*, 10 A and 1 C (for German) grades at GCSE, and 2 As (Media and Psychology)and 2 Bs (Computing and Biology) at A level, before getting a 2:1 BA (Hons) in Film and Television. Little of which really applies to my job.
DO YOU LIKE YOUR JOB: Yes, the jobs pretty good, but the pays pretty dire really, and I do miss seeing my friends back home as often. Not the kind of job you can really do is Wales, much less Swansea though
Soldato
I'm running a C220CDI Sport atm, but I've had SLK280s and CLK Cabs E320CI Sports all sorts.
Basically we run a pool of all the models and we are allocated one for three months.
thats where i work, been there 2 years, who are you lol
Permabanned
JOB
My beloved OH and I run a deli and outside catering company
COMPANY
Don't think I'm allowed to say as I think that it would constitute an advert, but it's in Buckingham.
DAY TO DAY
I'm mostly responsible for the cheese counter (we have about 100) so I make sure that they're in good condition for the day. I also make salads, soups and I'm becoming famous in the area for my cheesecakes. We all serve the customers, make up hampers, sandwiches and picnics, plus stocking the shelves, tasting new foods (including chocolate!) and talking to suppliers about what's new and exciting in the world of food.
PERKS
Tasting and serving great food, being able to promote British cheeses etc. and watching the customers' faces when they taste my cheesecakes
Also, just having access to a great range of food so that we can entertain at the drop of a hat.
DOWNSIDE
Working with your OH can lead to talking about nothing but the shop at home which upsets the kids.
Working 6 days a week and finding the school holidays difficult to cover.
VAT returns!!!!!!
EDUCATION
O levels and A levels, a 3 year stint at catering college and loads of life experience.
LOVE IT - wouldn't you!!
My beloved OH and I run a deli and outside catering company
COMPANY
Don't think I'm allowed to say as I think that it would constitute an advert, but it's in Buckingham.
DAY TO DAY
I'm mostly responsible for the cheese counter (we have about 100) so I make sure that they're in good condition for the day. I also make salads, soups and I'm becoming famous in the area for my cheesecakes. We all serve the customers, make up hampers, sandwiches and picnics, plus stocking the shelves, tasting new foods (including chocolate!) and talking to suppliers about what's new and exciting in the world of food.
PERKS
Tasting and serving great food, being able to promote British cheeses etc. and watching the customers' faces when they taste my cheesecakes
Also, just having access to a great range of food so that we can entertain at the drop of a hat.
DOWNSIDE
Working with your OH can lead to talking about nothing but the shop at home which upsets the kids.
Working 6 days a week and finding the school holidays difficult to cover.
VAT returns!!!!!!
EDUCATION
O levels and A levels, a 3 year stint at catering college and loads of life experience.
LOVE IT - wouldn't you!!
Job
I am apparently a 'Server Engineer' specialising in SMS
Company
I work for a regional government agency
Day to day
At the moment I'm working on our SAM project to get all our licenses in order (for everything, desktops and server tech) and also on our laptop encryption project. As well as day to day stuff.
Overall Job
Generally looking after the companies IT systems day to day and running projects for implementing new stuff as required.
My particular role also looks after the Microsoft SMS infrastructure which has turned into a role that basically 'manages' all of the desktops as well as doing all the server and project type stuff.
This involves packaging up all the software as and when for deployment, managing updates, builds etc. This also ties in with our software asset management stuff which I look after.
It is weird and it isn't a pure server based role, it's more of a hybrid desktop/server/project management role at the moment, that sits within the server team.
Perks
Very good pay for the region for this kind of job imho, having training thrown at me left right and centre (a lot of £££ worth), cracking holiday entitlement, good flexible working system and decent pension (ahh the joys of civil service)
Downsides
Have had a few quiet moments but otherwise nothing really at the moment.
Education?
Engineering degree
Do you like your job?
Yup
I am apparently a 'Server Engineer' specialising in SMS
Company
I work for a regional government agency
Day to day
At the moment I'm working on our SAM project to get all our licenses in order (for everything, desktops and server tech) and also on our laptop encryption project. As well as day to day stuff.
Overall Job
Generally looking after the companies IT systems day to day and running projects for implementing new stuff as required.
My particular role also looks after the Microsoft SMS infrastructure which has turned into a role that basically 'manages' all of the desktops as well as doing all the server and project type stuff.
This involves packaging up all the software as and when for deployment, managing updates, builds etc. This also ties in with our software asset management stuff which I look after.
It is weird and it isn't a pure server based role, it's more of a hybrid desktop/server/project management role at the moment, that sits within the server team.
Perks
Very good pay for the region for this kind of job imho, having training thrown at me left right and centre (a lot of £££ worth), cracking holiday entitlement, good flexible working system and decent pension (ahh the joys of civil service)
Downsides
Have had a few quiet moments but otherwise nothing really at the moment.
Education?
Engineering degree
Do you like your job?
Yup
I am actually quite impressed with the amount of people who like their jobs, I keep seeing people saying they hate their jobs/boss etc.
Maybe they just don't want to post?
KaHn
Maybe they just don't want to post?
KaHn