General Management Industrial Placement Review

My role has changed dramatically throughout the past year of working at Aldi. I was a fully trained member of staff in regards to working in the store, being able to run one of the stores as an acting Store Manager for 2 weeks. Out with store however, I have been shadowing various Area Managers, learning what it takes to manage an area of 3-5 stores and usually over 100 employees.

I have been able to utilise a wide range of organisational, personnel, administrative and most importantly managerial skills. Another aspect of my personal skills which has developed considerably is my work ethic and becoming more confident in myself. Aldi has taught me how to achieve the highest level of efficiency in everything you do and this is something I will most definitely apply further into my studies when returning to university.

The main aspect of this past year which I have enjoyed the most was the sheer amount of responsibility and trust placed upon Aldi’s placement students. I feel that due to the vast amount of independence which was expected from myself throughout all areas of this past year has helped me to enhance my individual abilities considerably.

Every person I worked with couldn't have been more accommodating or helpful. You are matched with an Area Manager Mentor who is extremely helpful and supportive as a first point of contact throughout your training. When training in store, you are working intimately with different people from all backgrounds, who all want to see you succeed as much as you do and they all offer loads of support and guidance in everything you do.

The general company culture within Aldi is completely revolved around it's people. Working at Aldi has not only highlighted but also emphasised how important a business’s people are to the overall success of the company. What you give at Aldi, you get back. I have met so many amazing, inspirational individuals and teams of people who have contributed to the enrichment of my placement year.

Working with Aldi throughout the past year has been one of the best experiences of my academic career so far. I have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the Aldi team, as it has allowed me to develop my personal and interpersonal skills dramatically.

Yes

Aldi is a company in which they expect you to work extremely hard and in doing so you will reap the benefits considerably. The main point of advice I would give is to take down as many notes as possible and ask every silly question because there is a lot to learn and sometimes it can be a little daunting. However, everyone is there to help, so don't be scared!