Trainee Business Analyst Review

My time at TJX was incredibly enjoyable from day 1! Not only was it a great place to work and learn but everyone around me was friendly and helpfull which made my year fantastic!

From the very start of my project work I was treated as an equal member of the team and given real responsibilities to deliver results. I enjoyed the challenges put to me throughout the year which made me strive to achieve and this never went un-noticed!

The level of support given throughout the year was one of the most fantastic things about this placement! We were given a 'buddy' who supported us throughout and became our first port of call if we had any questions or needed help! Our line managers were also on-hand to help us with anything and they were always keen to get the best from us and help us in any way they could! Not only that but the placement organiser and generally everyone around the office was unbelievably supportive which made our learning and relationships develop tenfold!

Initially it was difficult to strike the correct balance of workload however with time and collaboration with my line manager a good balance of workload was established and most of all maintained throughout the year! The support around us meant that work and training was always available if we had some spare time meaning that every minute was worthwhile!

From day one at TJX I was given not only responsibility for my own time and learning but also project responsibility within the project team and the real responsibility of delivering results as a BA would! This was great as it meant we could learn on the job while receiving great support from those around us!

There is no doubt that the placement year has given me skills for life! Using software such as MS word, excel, PowerPoint, project as well as skillsoft and other online applications will not only help my future studies at University but will also assist me for the rest of my life! The training we received throughout the year was invaluable such as Six Sigma, Times Graduate Challenge and Situational Leadership which helps develop us as individuals as well as help us in our jobs throughout the year! Every session that we were involved in was highly useful and 100% valuable!

The atmosphere in the office was unlike what I would have expected- in a good way! It was very relaxed and fun but had a good work balance meaning that it was not diffuclt to get things done. Everyone was so friendly and this made asking questions and building relationships easy! There was a real 'team' atmosphere throughout the whole organisation and everyone not just in IT which made the working environement fantastic!

Considering that this was the first year TJX had run an IT placement scheme the organisation was fantastic! From the very first interview it was evident that it had been organised very well. Travel arrangements to and from the office for interviews were great and considering I had to travel over 300 miles to get to Watford it was no hassle at all and the organisers made it very easy! Throughout the induction programme for the first 9 weeks and throughout the whole year the network of support in place meant that every day in the year counted!

The training that we received throughout the year was fantastic. The six sigma training etc as previously mentioned is an industry recognised qualification that we can take away with us when we return to University. I also had the opportunity to visit the Distribution Centers all over the UK which not only helped me in my project roles but also helped put the University theory on supply chain and logistics into reality!

I would love to work for this company in the future! There are fast track programs available for placement students who graduate from University and wish to return however a job is not guaranteed after the placement year is complete. This is the perfect year to develop yourself as well as gauge if TJX is for you in the future!

Yes! The people within the office have regular curry club meetings as well as sports events and nights out which gives you a great chance to meet new people and get to know everyone! The IT team is a great bunch and all of the social events throughout the year were well supported! The other placement students and graduates were very friendly and we all got on really well! We all went on nights out together as well as socialising at weekends.Myself and 4 other placament students from other areas within TJX all arranged accomodation together which meant that it was very easy to find new friends and get to know everyone!

As Watford is close to London the cost of living was much higher than I was used to at home/ University however the salary is very competitive which meant we never struggled money-wise!

Watford nightlife was not great however as London and St Albans is so close finiding things to do at night and on weekends was so easy! The pubs around Watford were frequented often however and have a nice 'cosy' vibe!

Not only did the placement and grads socialise but there were opportunities for work-based social events such as chairty nights, curry club, sports days and the famous 'pub-on-a-Friday-night'!