Operations Management Industrial Placement Review

I am a team manager in warehouse, managing a large team as well as managing the service Gist provides for M&S. Day to day duties involve people and time management, out loading and intake management as well as ensuring everything picked in warehouse is done accurately and safely. I have had opportunities to note take for investigations as well as explore other areas of the business/depot such as transport and logistics.

I have massively developed my skills of communication and organisation through my role, where I must be concise and clear when addressing our teams, as well as staying organised at work to ensure we meet targets. I have learnt the importance of delegation in this role, and have accepted that it is okay to allow others to assist and help you.

I was gradually given more responsibility as my confidence grew in certain areas of the job. This helped my confidence as I was given responsibilities to attend to, and this gradually built up rather than being given a high degree of work ad responsibility all at once.

I had a great support network around me through my placement from various people. All of the team managers in warehouse were mentors to me, who coached me and helped my development both personally and in my role. Also, the support from head office and the early talent team was brilliant.

The atmosphere at first I found rather daunting since I was a young female walking into a male dominated environment. Eventually as my confidence grew, I felt so comfortable around everyone and in the job. The culture at my depot is honestly like we're one big family, everyone helps each other and we all work together to get the job done.

I enjoyed my placement thoroughly and have enjoyed each minute of it. There have definitely been ups and downs through the year but it was been an invaluable experience.

Yes

Expect the unexpected, it may not seem like a lot when you begin the placement, but the experiences and the relationships you'll build are invaluable and they will teach you so much about yourself in both a career and personally. Ensure you are open and honest throughout the application process and the scheme and take on as much feedback as you can.