Customer Insight Assistant Review

I thoroughly enjoyed my year at Waitrose. I was given fantastic opportunities and constantly pushed to develop myself further. The role is very varied, which kept it interesting. I found some of the reporting challenging, but this is balanced with more creative tasks within the team. This role would be suited to someone confident in analysing data, as well as the other skills required for a marketing role.

The team were incredibly supportive and friendly, they played a huge role in my development. My line manager was approachable and warm, I really enjoyed working for her.

My line manager was always helpful and proactive in giving me the best opportunities and always asked me for my key areas of focus for development and involvement with different areas of the business.

I was mostly busy which kept my days interesting, I was certainly not bored at any stage of the placement. The team were however supportive if my work load ever became overwhelming.

Waitrose gave me lots of high responsibility tasks which helped stretch me and develop my skills. I project managed important research pieces, worked with agencies and presented frequently across the business.

I have left with a strong set of skills to carry through into applications for jobs after university. I am more confident and have gained a huge insight into the grocery market.

Everyone at Waitrose is incredibly friendly and welcoming. I was lucky to work in such a nice environment where I was always supported and looked after. Lunch times were always sociable, and the open floor of the office meant it is easy to talk to people. The environment is relaxed, with the Head of Insight sitting with he rest of the team.

My role was clear and I always knew what was expected of me. I had frequent catch ups with my line manager and performance reviews which helped steer my development in the right direction.

The recruitment team organised four sessions throughout the year, including practise interviews which I found incredibly useful. This also provided me with the chance to show someone my CV. My team were always willing to give feedback when requested.

There is no guarantee of a graduate job at the end of the year. However it is possible to be skipped to the video interview stages for future schemes.

We frequently met for drinks and social events, or had lunch together at work.

I lived at home for my placement year, but Reading is generally a similar price to university rent. I found the work canteen to be very affordable for lunch and other meals.

Bracknell itself is very industrial, with lots of company offices. The close by town of Reading offers great nightlife, bars, shopping and cinema.

There are lots of clubs and societies to get involved with, although living at home meant I used gym facilities and played sports in my local town.