Graduate Recruitment Officer Review

I enjoyed the work that I was given at The Co-operative Group because it was focused on my own development and I was able to challenge myself. I was fully supported throughout my placement and never felt that I couldn't ask for help.

From day one I was made to feel like a valued member of the team and the business. I had regular one to ones to check my progress and my achievements were fully recognized by my managers and wider team.

I was very well supported throughout my 12 months at The Co-operative Group. When i first started my placement I had a one to one with my line manager to analyse my strengths and weaknesses. We then worked on a personal development plan and set out targets for me to meet. These were designed to play to my strengths but also challenged me in order for me to develop. Throughout the year I was well supported and always felt that I could ask for help or advice. The whole team were very friendly and approachable.

I always had enough work to keep me busy, there were some periods where the workload was very high but I never felt that I didn't have support to get it done. The work I did was engaging and interesting.

I was given responsibility for my own projects and parts of the day to day work that all members of the team helped with.

The experience that I have gained at The Co-operative Group will be invaluable in my final year of study and my work afterwards. I have developed hugely over my 12 months there and have been given lots of opportunities to build on skills/ behaviours that I would have considered myself weak in.

I worked in a very forward thinking, happy team that were serious about work but also made the work easy to enjoy

The placement was well planned out and there was always lots of work and projects for me to get involved with. I always knew what I was supposed to be doing and what joint goals we were working towards.

The Co-operative Group were fantastic in terms of investing time into my personal development. I worked with my manager to put together a personal development plan and if I was struggling I always ha support. I was allowed to take on projects and experiences to help me build on my weaker areas.

I am hoping to return to The Co-operative Group after graduating. I will just have to pass an assessment centre soon.

The socials at The Co-operative Group were frequent and everyone there was very friendly. I couldn't always attend but I was always invited and made to feel welcome when I did attend. My direct team and the wider team has regular meetings and meals/ drinks out.

The cost of living and socialising is what you would expect in a big city like Manchester. More expensive than student living but still affordable.

City centre Manchester- lots going on

There were lots of social events organised by colleagues within The Co-operative Group. There were also plenty of charitable events to get involved with from Irish Dancing to Football tournaments.