Business Analyst Review

I thoroughly enjoyed my placement. The working environment was very different to any I have previously worked in, but it was relaxed and everybody was approachable.

From the very start my colleagues encouraged me to contribute to meeting. Within weeks my work was being used to contribute to real projects and I never felt as though this was going un-notice.

As the placement progressed support dropped and I was left more to my own devices. However, there were always 4 or 5 people who I could go to to get support and guidance on any aspect of my job.

The work I was given was new and challenging. It took a few weeks for me and my managers to find the right ballance between too much and too little, but once we did I always had realistic deadlines to work towards.

I had lots of guidance and support, and was assigned a 'buddy' who I could go to for advice and support with my work. This allowed me to be given responsibility for key pieces of work which were making a difference to the project I was working on, without feeling out of my depth.

The skills I aquired and developed during my placement didn't hugely assist my degree (Business Management and Marketing). However, the placement has been invaluable. I learn more in my first 3 months than I did in my first 2 years at University. I learned practical skills such as how to manage my time and how to arrange and chair meeting. These are the skills that I feel will benefit me most when looking for a job once I've graduated.

The office was open plan, even the most senior members of staff didn't sit away in seperate offices. Although there was an obvious emphasis on the importance of completing our work, everybody was very open and relaxed. People would talk inbetween tasks and there were also social events organised by people in the office.

The first 3 weeks had a fairly full timetable of training and introduction activities. This allowed me to understand the job roles and what was expected of me. It also allowed me to learn about TJX and how they are so different from many other retailers. There was one person who took main responsibility for the placement program and I had regular meetings with her to see how I was getting on.

As well as extensive on the job training I was also given the opportunity to see all aspects of the business. This meant I was able to visit stores all over the country as well as Processing Centres and the E-Commerce Distribution Centre. In addition I took part in the Times Graduate Challenge and was given formal Six Sigma training.

nothing was said, however I feel I would have a good chance if there was a position available when I graduate.

There were 2 other people doing the same IT placement as me as well as others in buying, distribution and finance. There was always something to do on a weekend and everyone got on well.

As it's near London, accomodation and living expenses etc are higher than other areas of the country but the salary was competitive and I never had a problem.

Watford wasn't great but it's 15 minutes from London so there's always something to do if you want to.

The pub on a Friday was always busy and there were other social events throughout the month such as Curry Club and golf days.