Sustainable Sourcing Intern Review

I have really enjoyed my placement year at ASOS and will aim to come back in the future after I have graduated. The company is very accommodating with a positive work culture, which many new starters comment early on during their employment. I look forward to coming to work in the mornings and feel proud to say where I work.

Everyone is very welcoming and approachable here so it is easy to get on with colleagues. I have been well supported and praised at appropriate times. Construct criticism is given in a professional manner which help aids self-development. No one looks down at anyone, I feel on a more equal level - I might even find myself sitting next to the department director through the agile working scheme!

There are regular weekly 1-2-1s with both my managers but I would have liked to have more reviews as my 1-2-1s sometimes get overshadowed by work. I would also have liked more training but the company is growing exponentially so there isn't often time to get thorough training. This would suit an independent learner though, or someone that already has relevant experience. However, there is an Academy developing to help give more development time to employees.

As mentioned previously, due to the incredible growth of the company, ASOS is a fast-paced environment to work in. This means that projects very often have quick-turnarounds and work becomes outdated quickly. So it does get busy but it is great for someone who likes a challenge and can manage this through organization and time management.

The job description for the placement year was already very interesting for me, however I was given much more responsibility soon after. It's very rewarding to be treated as any employee would and be given opportunities above my job title. It's invaluable being able to contribute your own input to projects too. The style of work here is very different to all the other jobs I have done, as it is project based. Now I know what type of work suits me.

I learned so much over the year that my approach to uni work has changed, which has meant I achieved a First in my placement module! ASOS is full of inspirational people who are experts, so if you pay attention and watch them, you can learn the way they approach their work, the way they think and how they contribute successfully to the business growing.

The open plan and recent renovations make it a nice working environment to be in. There is an agile working scheme too which helps you to meet new people or work in teams more efficiently. The atmosphere is also positive and buzzing, it's great for inspiration and creativity in your work. Lots of visitors regularly comment on how nice the atmosphere feels.

Living in London and also paying for transport is really expensive and my salary doesn't really cover it. That has meant I have struggled some months but if you consider all other aspects of the placement then it is totally worth the sacrifice. They put on monthly free social events which helps you socialize for free.

ASOS have set up their own charity foundation so there are opportunities to do volunteering outside of work. They also give you an additional day to your holiday leave to do it! They have team volunteering opportunities too which is great for getting to know your team and doing something positive. There are also business events, exhibitions and factory visits etc they have let me go on.