Undergraduate Manager Review
by Pizza Express
This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.
Rating
-
The Role
5.0
-
The Company
5.0
-
The Culture
5.0
- 1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?
- 2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?
- 3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?
- 4. How busy were you on a daily basis?
- 5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?
- 6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
- 7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?
- 8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?
- 9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
- 10. What were the perks on your work placement?
- 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?
- 12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?
- 13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?
- 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?
- 15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?
The Role
I had a fantastic time working for PizzaExpress during my placement year. Having never worked in the hospitality industry prior to placement, I was apprehensive about how the year would go. However, I could not have felt more at ease and confident in my role throughout the 12 months.
Everybody I came into contact with throughout the year from all levels within the business were so enthusiastic about the scheme, and were really interested in myself and my fellow undergraduates.
As you are based in restaurants you quickly build up a network of support from your manager as well as other managers in the area. Not only this, you have frequent contact with the team in head office as well your Operations Manager. All have the same vision of success and want you to do well in everything you do in the business.
There is not one day that is the same, and everyday you have to face a new challenge. The nature of the industry means there are busier and quieter periods, however there is always something for you to get stuck into, whether it be in your restaurant or supporting the wider business.
I was given an overwhelming amount of responsibility throughout my placement year. You are responsible for the managing of people, driving your business and controlling KPI's.
In my final year I have pulled a lot from my experience at PizzaExpress which has really helped me in different areas of University. Having those real life examples from running your own restaurant are so beneficial for assignments and your dissertation.
The Company
There really is a family feel in every single PizzaExpress I worked in or visited. In the hospitality industry you do spend a lot of time with your colleagues and PizzaExpress really does have a culture of treating each other like your family.
Placement had a structure, however I felt comfortable suggesting ideas for what could help my development even further which were all taken on.
Aside from training me to run a great restaurant, I also benefited from being awarded a personal licence allowing my to authorise the sale of alcohol.
National Travel
Financial Bonus
Company Parties/Events
Above 25 days holiday
I returned to the company in my final year back at university and also after graduation.
The Culture
I have made great friends in my fellow placement students, and we are all still working closely within the business.
There are different areas to choose from when joining PizzaExpress, so I was able to select an area close to home.
Very good.
Throughout the year teams undertake different activities for charities, as well as travelling on away days in Europe.
Details
Placement (10 Months+)
North West
November 2017
