Retail Management Placement Review

I really enjoyed working at JLP. Each day had a different challenge to face, the staff were all friendly and the overall experience was fun!

Right from day one, I was given responsibilities that progressed as the time went on. The way the managers introduced me to the members of my staff right from the off set made it easier for me to build up working relationships with my colleagues as they were able to understand exactly what I was there to do.

I was always given support and guidance right from day one. Each of the managers, not only on my department but throughout the store were so helpful and willing to answer any of my queries. Never be afraid to ask for help or advice!

The day-to-day jobs of a section manager on the shop floor varied quite substantially each day. It's important to always keep a balance between your own projects and also the demands of the store. Working in retail is extremely fast paced, particularly during holidays and weekends so it's important to maintain that balance to the best of your ability.

As stated above, I was given responsibilities right from day one. These included organising and overseeing section moves, dealing with customer complaints, customer service observations, weekly management floor walks and attending and presenting during weekly leadership meetings for both the department and store.

Working on the scheme has really helped me to identify areas of weakness as well as strength. As I stated before, organisation and time management skills are key which will really help me throughout my studies in final year.

Working in the branch really was good fun! All the staff get on really well, however with it being a fast paced environment you have to be prepared to deal with some difficult customers!!

The placement was set up really well. I was able to speak with my contact at head office whenever I had an issue and she was always quick and efficient in her replies. We are also encouraged to keep in touch with the other placement students through social media and also meetings arranged my head office. Keeping contact allowed us to benchmark our progress against each other as all stores have a different way of doing things. If I felt I wasn't receiving the same level of responsibility as the others, I was able to feedback this to my managers who were quick to act!

Working for JL, you have to be prepared to do your own research. The company offer so much information but it is up to you to try and take all this on your own. On a whole, the company really do invest a lot of time in ensuring you are developed to the best of your ability as the overall aim is to try and gain a place on the graduate scheme and the firm are excellent in helping you get there.

I gained a place on the retail management graduate scheme for 2014 so I was absolutely over the moon.

The store put on a lot of annual parties such as Christmas events, Halloween parties etc. There are also sports teams to get involved in and day trips to places such as London and Alton Towers. I also became good friends with the in store graduates and partners in my store so I could always call on them for dinner or drinks out!

The cost of living in Solihull is fairly high however you can avoid these costs by moving nearer to Birmingham city center. There are fantastic bus and train routes which are very close to the Solihull branch. There are great restaurants and bars in Solihull in the Touchwood shopping centre as well as surrounding towns and also Birmingham.

The nightlife in Solihull is good, however, for those who are after big clubs, Birmingham city center is only a 20minute taxi journey away and is full of students on weeknights and weekends.

There are some branch sports teams however I didn't get involved in these. The partnership also offers discounted leisure benefits across all areas. Check out the benefits on the website, they really are fantastic!