Placement Student Review

Acted as a lower level manager in the Selection (picking) and Goods In departments. Ensuring store orders were picked on time whilst staying compliant with HR, H&S and company procedures. Additionally completed project work for Team Managers.

Team working skills improved. Sometimes you're required to help lead a team of 70 on the picking shift whereas in Re-Merch (Sales support) there might only be two of you. Presenting skills and general confidence. I was pushed early on to raise my voice in Team Briefs, meant my confidence grew even in front of a large group of people. When helping the picking operation you are constantly balancing multiple roles and calls from derpartments

Yes. Whilst a senior manager would most likely be on hand to assist should things go downhill throughout the year more and more is expected of you. Project work would involve me working on my own and therefore being solely responsible for initiatives. At the same time as having these responsibilities you are pushed to support the day to day shifts.

The regional training department did a good job of keeping on top of the more formal training and ensuring my stints in the smaller departments were kept too, The Managers in the Warehouse who I worked alongside were always able to offer guidance and support when I got stuck. In particular the former graduates were great mentors for me throughout the year

Company certainly pushed for high productivity with long hours being expected. The atmosphere did become more strained later in my placement due to the amount of initiatives coming out of Head Office and Senior Management. All whilst trying to balance increasing volumes throughout the region. In general there was a good atmosphere amongst colleagues, particularly among the Senior Operatives and ATM's.

I enjoyed my placement year. The jobs I was given or adapted into felt meaningful and meant I never came into work bored. Shifts often went by quickly and the variety of roles I fulfilled meant that even if I new I didn't enjoy a certain department there was no expectation for me to stay in it. One of the most enjoyable aspects was having exposure to every department in the region.

Yes

Be yourself throughout the interview phase as they may be willing to tailor your experience around your interests. A lot is expected of you but the benefits do tend to make it worthwhile.