Corporate Responsibility Industrial Placement Review

Working within the CR team. I have been responsible for managing a whole topic area. This has included developing strategy, representing Aldi GB/IE on international CR working groups, updating policy, completing reporting tasks, training new starters, putting together project proposals, liaising with internal and external stakeholders, answering queries, and completing benchmarking/ research exercises.

At Aldi you are given a lot of responsibility and autonomy, which at first may seem daunting, but gives you amazing opportunity to expand your skill set. My confidence has grown hugely this year as I have been trusted with looking after an entire topic area within CR. I have also developed my communication skills as I have had to consult with many internal departments and external stakeholders on a daily basis.

My placement was a manager level role and so I was given a lot of responsibility. I became the lead contact in the GB and IE business for ensuring the responsible sourcing of fish and seafood, a role which involved giving training to senior members of staff (up to GMD level). I was also responsible for chairing weekly assistants meetings and coordinating projects that spanned across the whole CR team.

At the start of your placement you are given a 10 week training programme to introduce you to the business and prepare you for the work you will be completing. Throughout the year you will have weekly meetings with your direct leader as well as meetings with your personnel lead and your mentor.

The general culture at Aldi is quite formal and corporate, however the culture in the CR team is very friendly and supportive. We regularly have team lunches and go on walks together in our breaks. There are also fun events put on throughout the year, like the department Christmas meal and summer team building event.

Overall I really enjoyed my time at Aldi. I have learnt so much this year and have thoroughly enjoyed being a member of the CR team.

Yes

I would say having a genuine interest and passion in the area that you apply for is really important. If you get an interview I would recommend doing some research on the company and turning up a few minutes early.