Placement Student Review

The 48 week placement was extremely challenging, but I overcome the challenges I was presented with and pushed myself, which resulted in me gaining an invaluable amount from the year. Upon reflection some elements and aspects I enjoyed a lot more than others but this helped me realise the area of business I would like to go into in the future.

From day one I was taken on as one of the team, and I was included in all work events. Although due to the culture of the business and the fact that it operates in the discount sector praise isn't frequent, hard work is just expected. This took me a while to adjust to as it wasn't was I was used to, but when it came to appraisals it was evident how valued I was as an employee.

I had the support of the regional placement coordinator, the recruitment manager based at head office and the mentor within the department I was working in. . This support network was essential and made the placement run smoothly. Although I sometimes experienced a break down in the network, but I would communicate the problem and it would be solved extremely quickly. If I ever needed help or guidance everyone was always more than happy to support me. This was true for any department I found myself working in

I was extremely busy on a day to day basis but I believe this helped me gain more from the placement which was only a forty eight week period. At first I found the transition from being a full time student to full time worker a little challenging.

During the placement year the amount of responsibility I have experienced has been immense, even from the very first day! From department to department the type of responsibility varied but the amount I was given was always high. This resulted in me developing rapidly and doing tasks I thought I would never get the chance to complete as a placement student.

I have not only gained job specific skills throughout the placement but also transferable skills. The job specific skills will be useful if I come back to Lidl on the graduate scheme or any other discount retailer within the same sector. The transferable skills I have developed will come into play for what ever career path I decided to take in the future. With regards to business acumen I personally believe this is a necessity for anyone wanting to pursue a career in the business world, and it can't be taught in the class room it has come from first hand experience. So upon reflection the business acumen and knowledge I have gained is simply priceless.

Due to the structure of the placement I spent time in the majority of the departments within the business and although each department had its own sub culture the same characteristics were still present. The majority of the departments had an environment which was fast paced, target driven and challenging, there definitely wasn't time to get bored!

The structure of the placement was fantastic; initial training in every department in the business, head office training and then three electives where I could chose the department in which I wanted to work. This structure resulted in the placement being extremely well organised and planned and I think this contributed to me gaining so much from the year.

In each department I went into I received initial training. In some departments more time was invested in me in comparison to others. For example while I was in one department I had to push my mentor to train me where as in other departments I received a vast amount of training. Overall the amount of training I received was vast. While I was on placement I also got the opportunity to complete an alcohol licence and the British safety council health and safety at work qualification.

The organisation is extremely demanding and challenging I found no matter what role you are completing. Although I think you are rewarded through a fabulous salary and perks of the job for your hard work. I would definitely consider joining Lidl as a graduate.

Every couple of months as a placement student I was invited down to Leatherhead London for a meeting and to catch up with the placement students.During the meetings we would reflect upon the experience so far and receive further training. I made good friends with the majority of the other placement students and kept in touch with them throughout the placement.

There are eight regional distribution centres that are located around the UK. So as a placement student you could relocate to a certain area that suits your needs or requirements.

I didn't have much time to go out in full time work!

I was invited to all company parties and events such as the Christmas party and a summer go karting event. I also participated in the Lidl Olympics which was an event split into multiple events. I participated in the football and its a knock out even which was so much fun!