Placement Student Review

I thoroughly enjoyed my placement year with LIDL UK. I was based in the Enfield region throughout my time and has a wide range of opportunities to spend time in many different departments including Property, Admin, Training, Logistics, Supply Chain and Food Promotions in Head Office. I have not only been developed as an individual but as a professional too.

My colleagues around me were continuously appreciative of my work throughout their departments. It was always made clear that I was there to learn but through added responsibility contributed to the level of appreciation I received throughout the year.

My manager continuously supported me throughout the year- this was done through regular meetings, phone calls and emails. Through submitting a weekly report I always received detailed feedback regarding my progress and praise for my achievements throughout the week and any factors to work on. My manager was also always on hand to support through any personal issues that it is likely for students to encounter and this helped me to end the year very well rounded and ready to enter my final year at university.

I was very busy on a daily basis and would have to juggle a few different responsibilities. Some days were busier than others and this was made even more apparent when I spent some time in stores- however I was grateful for this experience as it made me appreciate the slightly more relaxed days.

During my placement year I was given a great amount of responsibility. I embarked on several projects throughout the year from taking on training workshops to employees within stores, auditing stores, presenting and working alongside different managers within the business. The level of responsibility can sometimes be daunting, yet it allowed me to really work on my confidence and support was always on hand if necessary.

The skills I learned will help me greatly when I return to university, This is not necessarily based on the theory side but more so because I have been molded throughout my time at LIDL to be extremely efficient and organized throughout this year, which I have improved hugely since the start of my placement. I will be able to prioritise, plan ahead and commit to a level in my studies that I don't think I would have achieved if I didn't embark on this placement year.

The placement itself was very organised- placement students are monitored regularly in terms of the hours we work and our overall development and it is clear that the company want us to be the best we can be before returning to university. We are invited to different meetings throughout the year, which have elements of training, future prospects and also a social elements which is a great point to look forward too.

Training and development was provided throughout the year. I was given a training plan for each department I was in and clear targets were set for the level I should be at before my time in that particular department was up. I then had an appraisal with that particular department manager which was evaluate my time in the department, both praising and allowing me to walk away with clear objectives for me to improve on as an individual going forward.

I have been made aware of the future prospects within the organisation throughout my time with LIDL. The recruitment team in head office and very hands on with this and encouraging placement students to share the interests in certain departments they wish to join after completing unisveristy so that the recruitment team can support us through this process- I feel this is a great position to be in.

As I am based in Enfield in North London- there is always the opportunity to socialise. Although I was tired from work most evenings, the option was always there as the transport links in London are so vast.