Retail Excellence Intern Review

My role involves undertaking tasks that enable the retail stores and those that work within them to be at their optimum level to achieve maximum productivity and efficiency whilst always ensuring the consumer experience is at the heart of everything we do. I work on projects including training and education.

I believe I have enhanced my presenting skills and my communication skills. I have been given a lot of responsibility in these areas which has in turn grown my confidence. I have developed new skills including data handling through working on dashboards and have become more advanced with excel through using it on projects and taking part in trainings offered by the company.

Yes, I have been the leader on several projects and have had to coordinate these to ensure they run smoothly. I have also had the opportunity to present to key stakeholders, this has been a lot of responsibility as the information needed to be correct and communicated as well as possible so it could be received as well as possible.

I believe I received excellent support. I had catch-ups with my manager to ensure I was always on track and coping with the work; this really helped me to know someone was there to speak to if I ever needed it. The business also offers many different training sessions, these really helped me to grow my skill set and become more confident in my work.

The company culture was extremely friendly and welcoming. It was always inclusive a number of activities and social events going on to get involved in even throughout the pandemic. They also really prioritised mental health, through creating workshops to attend and extending lunch breaks so we could take time for ourselves. Moreover, there are many opportunities to get involved with charities and volunteer.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my placement. I feel like I have learned a great deal and it will be extremely helpful to apply when I return to university and then in my future career. My skills and also general confidence have been enhanced as a result of my time. I have made great relationships within the business which I look forward to keeping going forward.

Yes

I would say to make sure you thoroughly research the company and have a good understanding of what the business is involved with. Practice interview-style questions and tests to be as well prepared as possible. It is also good to network throughout the process and get advice and build relationships with people within the business.