Energy & Environment Support Manager Review

One of the most enjoyable aspects of my placement has been the flexibility surrounding it. I have been involved in many different projects and have always been given the opportunity to become more or less involved in particular projects that I wish to. As a result, not one day at the office is the same, with new challenges arising all the time. Furthermore, I have thoroughly enjoyed seeing the benefits of my projects in stores and being able to leave a positive legacy at the Co-operative Group.

I felt very valued by my colleagues and the Energy and Environment team as a whole.

There was a great balance between receiving the support I required, whilst being given exciting and rewarding responsibilities in different areas of the business.

As well as undertaking small tasks, I had the opportunity to solely manage large-scale projects which affect the business as a whole. Thus I was kept busy, without being given an overwhelming amount of work to do!

Throughout my placement I was given numerous responsibilities of varying significance.

Prior to my placement, I had very little idea of what I wanted my career to involve and the direction I wanted to take it. This placement has given me vital experience in the retail and environment sectors as well as guidance for my future career. Project management was a fundamental aspect of the placement and the knowledge gained is not simply confined to the department which I was working in. The placement also allowed me to explore different opportunities within the company and may serve as a pathway for a future career. On returning to University, I feel well-equipped for when I graduate and have a solid year of experience to build upon.

I felt that the atmosphere was a productive and healthy one.

There were numerous projects specifically given to me to develop my skills throughout the year and several meetings with my manager were used to organise the placement.

The company invested a lot in me for my own personal training and development. I was allowed to go on numerous courses that interested me and helped me develop throughout the year. These included an Excel advanced course, a personal effectiveness course, a successful project management course and many others.

As I have undertaken one of the undergraduate placements at The Co-operative Group, I am fast-tracked to the interview and assessment centre stages of the graduate recruitment process should I choose to apply.

I primarily went to social events within my team. However, there were several occasions in which I socialised with the graduates and the other undergraduates on placements.

I lived in Salford which was pretty cheap and worked well for me. Although in central Manchester it was quite expensive.

Manchester had a great nightlife and something for everyone.

There was loads of opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work.