Retail Management Industrial Placement Review

Firstly you spend 6/7 months in store, learning the different responsibilities of store assistant, deputy manager & assistant store manager. For me, this meant that I was based at three different store & had to adapt accordingly. We also spent five months at head office, undertaking store audits & other projects on a variety of specific subjects. From these we repeatedly presented to directors & made recommendations - some of which have recently been implemented across the region.

I have developed my confidence so much as you are put in such a wide variety of situations. I think the responsibility you are put under on day one really pushes you to be the best you can be. In projects, I learned Excel skills, data analysis, time management and how to present confidently & concisely. I have also learned a lot about myself and found what I value as part of a company's culture.

You are given responsibility on day one of your placement. This may involve running a store's shifts, making rotas or being accountable for the cash safe. You are definitely not 'just an intern' at Aldi, you have real respsonsibility.

The support is quite minimal as you are put with a mentor who isn't actually a mentor, they are more a point of contact. You really have to drive your own training in store, or else you will literally remain a store assistant for the seven months you are there, whilst you could progress to assistant store manager level. Store is particularly tough - old-fashioned managers will literally insult you if you aren't quick enough at stacking shelves.

The culture within stores varies by store as some teams are really happy and motivated, whereas in other stores the teams are miserable and are all trying to get a transfer. In a way this isn't a bad thing as you can see different styles of management, however the luck of which store you are sent to can determine your whole experience. In general, the environment is quite hostile and you don't feel like you can speak up. It's all good experience but you certainly get a thick skin from it.

I had moments within my placement where I really enjoyed it and others were it was really difficult. This is all good experience as I like a challenge however some of the treatment is unnecessary. I really enjoyed the job role and everything I've learned is invaluable.

Yes

If I reapplied, I would like to know that: - You must drive your own training or you will get left behind. - Excel skills are important for projects so get yourself up to speed with these. - The style of management is very harsh - adapt to be this way or you won't succeed.