Sustainability Placement Student Review

In my role, I supported various sustainability initiatives, including kickstarting waste mapping for our Circularity project aimed at minimizing product lifecycle wastage. I project-managed Gymshark’s Modern Slavery statement for FY22/23. I facilitated meetings for potential partnerships and collaborated with Sustainability Managers on ad-hoc projects. Additionally, I conducted research to enhance Gymshark’s sustainable impact, explored industry trends, and contributed to the Sustainability reporting process, presenting opportunities for impactful initiatives.

During my placement, I developed key skills such as project management by coordinating the Modern Slavery Statement, enhancing my planning and stakeholder engagement abilities. My communication skills improved through structured office interactions, writing emails, and presentations. Adaptability was crucial when facing challenges. I also expanded my network by engaging with different departments and external events. Time management, constructive feedback, and understanding sustainability were further areas of growth. Additionally, I became resourceful by utilising tools like Lucidchart.

I was given significant responsibility during my placement, especially in managing the Modern Slavery Statement for FY22/23, and I’m grateful for the trust my team placed in me. In addition, I represented my team at a couple of conferences, which allowed me to showcase our work and gain insights from industry experts. These opportunities boosted my confidence and demonstrated the level of responsibility entrusted to me throughout my placement.

I received a great deal of support during my placement, particularly from my manager, who always made time to guide me through projects. The team was instrumental in my development, offering constructive feedback and ensuring I had the resources needed to succeed. My manager put my name forward for several opportunities, including attending conferences and taking on high-impact projects like the Modern Slavery Statement. This support played a crucial role in my growth and confidence throughout the placement.

The company culture was vibrant and disruptive, with a constant buzz of activity behind the scenes. There were always new internal projects and initiatives which was always exciting. Monthly updates from the wider company were incredibly useful, keeping everyone informed and aligned with broader goals.It was super easy to see how individual contributions fitted into the bigger picture at Gymshark, and the energetic environment made it a great place to grow and most importantly learn. Everyone was super friendly as well!

I thoroughly enjoyed my placement, especially working with my team, who were always supportive and willing to help or answer any questions I had. I felt comfortable being myself and knew I could ask for guidance whenever needed. The company offered extracurricular activities, which added space for me to not only develop my career, but also myself and my hobbies or interests.

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My advice to anyone applying to Gymshark is to unapologetically be yourself. The company thrives on authenticity, so don’t be afraid to show who you are and what makes you unique. Be open to learning, collaborating, and pushing boundaries. The more genuine you are, the more you’ll stand out. Confidence in your true self will go a long way here!