Retail Management Industrial Placement

Jennie Cooke

Marketing

Placement (10 Months+)

John Lewis Partnership

How much responsibility were you given during your John Lewis placement?

From day one of my John Lewis placement I was given a vast amount of responsibility within the department, which gave me a wide range of potential opportunities. The level of responsibility increased throughout the placement and I was treated as an equal by the other Section Managers. This meant that my placement provided a realistic experience of a career in John Lewis.

What is the most valuable lesson you learnt on your placement?

Every day of my placement was a learning experience. I built a core set of transferrable skills which I took back to university and will use in my future career. However, the most valuable lesson I learnt was how to identify my strengths and weaknesses from both a personal and business perspective. This meant I could drive my own success.

How has this placement affected your career prospects?

This placement has allowed me to gather a portfolio of real life experiences that I can apply to future jobs and careers. Furthermore, it has allowed me to develop a set of transferrable skills that I can adapt to different roles and requirements, which puts me in a stronger position to compete for graduate roles. Finally, it has allowed me to clarify that I want to pursue a career in the fast-paced, evolving world of retail.