Placement Student Review

I couldn't have enjoyed my placement year anymore, I was given responsibility and guidance from day 1. Allowing me to develop and grow in the business world. I was able to rotate departments, and see all areas of the business, this meant I had a greater understanding of how departments linked to one another.

I felt like part of every team I worked with from the moment I started, I was never made to feel like just the placement student or like my work was less valuable. I was given my own tasks in which I had deadlines to complete. I was given important jobs, which i had to complete in certain time frames. I work well under pressure, so this is the perfect environment for me.

Guidance was available to me whenever I needed it, I was always able to ask my line manager and head of department when I was unsure of anything. Questions were welcomed with open arms, and i was always given a detailed response to ensure I got the answer I was looking for.

On a daily basis, I had my own tasks on the task list. I was busy, but always looking for additional things I could do in any spare time to improve the business. The key to success on this placement is to always ask questions and ensure you are getting out of it what you should be. The more you ask and put into the placement, the more you get out of it in return.

I didn't ever think I would be given as much responsibility at such a young age. I was able to delegate tasks to others while shadowing at first, and then given the chance to do this alone. This meant i was able to develop my management skills hands on.

I have developed such a strong work ethic, that has set me up for my career. I am able to apply my knowledge from all the departments and people i have met, to give me a much wider mind set and better perspective. This will put me in a fantastic place once i finish my degree!

The atmosphere in my office was one I think any business would welcome, everyone was happy to help one another work towards making the business better. A friendly yet hard working place to be, allows for a good work life when the atmosphere is positive.

Regarding organization I didn't have to ask any questions during the scheme. I was given a structure on my first day with the breakdown for the whole year in front of me. This included holidays and department changes. I was able to plan my life around the placement and always knew where i would be and what was happening. I think organization is the key to success!

I was given training in every department, from store to the regional distribution center. I was able to learn how the departments work and then apply this knowledge when working in another, i think this was very beneficial. Every department had the time to teach me they're daily tasks and give me an overview of how they work and what the importance of the department is.

LIDL has been such an amazing company to work for. I think the loyalty of the staff speaks volumes, a great deal of employees have worked here for 10+ years. I would love to come back to LIDL as they have allowed me to develop so much as an individual, something you don't get from all companies. I would like the chance to work internationally with them!

During our head office 2 week experience, the placement students developed a close relationship. We were able to plan things outside of work and this developed a good bond with one another. Regionally, I have had the chance to go to a few social events, one of with being the hero awards in association with the daily record, where i got to see Katie Tunstall play!

I lived in Edinburgh, although it is a very busy capital city. My rent was less then i had paid in Newcastle, this was a welcomed surprise. Socializing was slightly more costly, especially when it was festival season in Edinburgh. I was able to experience a different city, and if you look around there is so much you can do for free! Therefore the cost of living is determined by you as an individual.

Nightlife was really good, always busy and nice places to go for quiet drinks or clubs for the whole night! Edinburgh is always busy, during the Christmas period they have the markets in which you can go around till about 10pm. They sell hot drinks and have an ice rink. During the festival bars/clubs are allowed a late license so most places will stay open till 6 in the morning!

I used to go to the gym 4 nights a week! There are various sports teams within the city, evening classes therefore you can do as much or as little as you want outside of your daily working routine. If you have the time, there is so much to do in this city!