Trainee Assistant Merchandiser Review

I definitely recommend completing an industrial placement if you can. You earn great experience to add to your CV and get a taste of what full time employment is really like. You can finish your placement with a better idea of a career choice.

Everyone was really friendly and understanding at Debenhams. There was always other starters so you never felt like you were the odd one out.

My line manager was very understanding and accommodated to my needs. I had to write a dissertation during my placement and needed to complete some project work which my line manager organised for me. She allowed me to attend any training I felt I needed to do and gave me some good feedback at the end of my placement. However I wish I was given more guidance on my progress throughout the whole year and not just twice.

It varied from day to day. I always had set tasks to complete and then odd jobs given to me from other colleagues. Christmas was very busy but enjoyable!

I was given responsibility of certain tasks which were needed to be completed weekly. I felt my line manager trusted me to do a good job.

On returning to university, I will feel greater maturity and understanding after a year of work experience. I will be able to draw on and enhance my experiences. I have learnt a lot about myself this year.

There was a good atmosphere in the office, however little social interaction between the divisions took place. The office was very structured. There were a couple of office parties and a christmas event which were good to get to know people outside of work.

The training sessions were organised very well and there was a fairly clear structure for the year. However at the end of the placement, some of the training sessions which were planned were not offered which I was disappointed about.

The training offered was really good. There were both behavioural and technical training sessions. There were also expert sessions which gave you a chance to hear about what other departments do e.g. international, marketing

I have been offered a job with the company after successfully completing my placement however I will be looking elsewhere for opportunities as I feel the role is not for me.

The social scene was ok - nothing special. The Christmas party was good as the company rents out a club in London and you receive some free drink vouchers. I mostly went to just placement social events. Debenhams normally take about 30 placement students so there are lots of people in the same situation as you. I made some great friends from this.

As expected it is very expensive to live and work in London. There is no canteen at Debenhams so you end up either eating out which is expensive or eating a packed lunch at your desk which isn't particularly nice!

There were quite a few bars near the head offices which was good for friday nights after work.

There was a running club but as far as i'm aware not much else! It would have been nice for some societies to be run like at university.