Fast-forward to Student Orientation - 6th June

Orientation Day for the new placement students is their first, full-on introduction to the company and a crucial part of the experience. All students come into the company and are given the full low-down on the principles of the business, how it was started and how it continues to be run and then what will be expected of them as placement students in the coming year.

When I had my orientation (all those many months ago!), I remember it was a brilliant way to be introduced to the company, as it showed us just exactly how Panasonic is run. One of the most interesting things for me was how Panasonic strives to incorporate 'Eco Ideas' into its business plans with its two company initiatives:

• "Eco Ideas for Lifestyles - we will promote lifestyles which will virtually reduce CO2 emissions throughout the world


• Eco Ideas for Business Styles - we will create and pursue a business-style which makes the best use of resources and energy"

Panasonic Company Presentation, 2011

The students get given a lot of paperwork to complete and a lot of information to absorb that day, so when Jennie arrived to see us in the PR department, she looked a little overwhelmed and I don't blame her! We gave her a little tour of the Brand Communications Department, but didn't want to give her too much more information to take on board, so we all just had a general natter with her about the year to come!

As per tradition, we later had a trip to the local Hollywood Bowl with all of our teams, so that the old and new students could spend a bit of time with their managers - and take them on in the bowling isles! In PR, we had the idea of a 'Boys v. Girls' game and us girls lost - spectacularly! A great evening though and a nice way for the new students to get to know their teams in a more relaxed environment outside of the workplace.

After the bowling, we had a massive night out with all of the students - old and new - to celebrate the start of year - a bit of a welcome party! I had what turned out to by my first ever migraine that day (not so great!) and it carried on well into the night so I didn't stay long, but what I was there for was amazing! A night out is a great way for the students to all relax after a big day of info overload and to get to know each other!

However.... We did warn them not to hit the bottle too hard, as the next day was very important for them - perhaps even more important than the Orientation! It was... Find Yourselves a House Day. Horrible with a hangover and many of the students unfortunately had to struggle on through the process of deciding who would live with who and then where they would live feeling a little worse for wear! They all got through it though and found two houses on the same street - great, as they'll be living so close to each other! Fingers crossed there are no fall outs...