Management Trainee Review

A very challenging placement where you're forced to really manage your time effectively but an excellent opportunity to really show what you're capable of. I was treated exactly the same as a graduate and given the platform to develop some great skills.

Working in such a close knit team for long periods of time you really learn how to work well with and support your colleagues. There were lots of opportunity to get to know each other inside and outside of work and becoming a tightly working unit of people is really encouraged.

I was very fortunate to have a fantastic area manager who really nurtured the new starters/interns and was always on the end of a phone/ email if there were any concerns or struggles. The structure of the training programme is also set out to be supportive, allowing you to make as much or as little of yourself in that time. Everyone, including those in high management were very approachable.

The placement was very busy and the days long... You had to be prepared to work really hard and be shattered at the end of the day but the opportunities you can fit into just one day makes it worthwhile.

I was given as much responsibility as any management trainee - responsible for my own accounts and resultant progress. As I was promoted to Management assistant I would run operations alongside the assistant manager and assist in the training and development of the newer recruits.

The opportunities provided by ERAC were huge and as a result I am much more confident and able to build successful, profitable relationships with others. I have a huge understanding if how key business concepts from my course work in practice and also knowledge that I don't think I could have gained from a textbook. Very worthwhile!

There was always a buzz in the office - from the customers coming into the branch to the conversation we would have as a team. We were always really busy and each day was different from the last.

There is a very clear management trainee programme set out for each new person - intern or graduate- with clear guidance and expectations as to our progress. There were systematic training classes to boost out progress at head office and the flexibility to complete as quickly as you felt able.

With each review of progress we were taken out for lunch by our branch manager and each stage completed of our training folder, by our area manager to build a good relationship but also as an extra source of support. There were various avenues to either request additional support or discuss any concerns.

As a result of my placement I am currently the Campus Brand Ambassador at my University and was offered a full time position in my promoted role when I graduate next summer.

There were a few students from other universities on placement within Sheffield at differing branches and we were all encouraged to get together to support one and other, along with the other graduate trainees.

I was able to select a placement in my chosen area and so opted to stay in Sheffield at my current address.

Sheffield - same as Uni a great nightlife although the hours/driving meant I could only enjoy this at the weekend.

There were a few area nights out when the area met certain targets.