Management Placement Student Review

The Lidl Management Placement has been setup to deliver a strategic outlook on the company. I began by working in Sales which is the face of the organisation, and fundamentally what the company is all about - delivering low costs and high quality products to customers. My next stage of placement then involved a back office role in Warehousing and Logistics, which I had no previous experience. I was involved in the 3 main areas; Goods In (Accepting products from suppliers), Selection (Picking products for stores), and Transport (Delivering products to stores). My final area was then based in Property and Construction of Lidl stores. The fact that an Undergraduate can be exposed to that diversity of a Pan-European company like Lidl, was a source of constant gratification during the placement.

As with any placement, there is always an initial notion that you are just another work experience student. That said, as I grew in experience, knowledge and skills, I found that I became a source of information in certain circumstances. The fact that I was based in all areas of the business meant that I could provide up-to-date information on different departments.

The placement was in its first year within Scotland and the initial guidance could have been better. The beginning of my placement was slightly unorganised although as my role became clearer, so the placement went smoother. As a Lidl Management Placement Student you have direct contact with the Recruitment Manager, Regional Mentor, and 2 line managers at all stages of your placement. Lidl are improving their guidance for this coming year's students, and the programme is evolving positively with each new month.

When you begin in any new role your lack of experience and skills can lead to extra hours being required. These extra hours are however essential in teaching Time Management, improving leadership/delegation and communications skills. On a personal level I prefer having multiple projects/ duties/tasks on a daily basis that removed me from my comfort zone, tested and improved my existing skills, and perpetuated new skills.

The main reason I applied for the Lidl Placement was the level of early responsibility available. In sales responsibility ranges from communicating and organising a team, cashing up tills/safe, opening/ closing a store, and product ordering. Warehousing and Logistics responsibility enabled me to develop forecasting and analytical skills, organising and planning a rota for a much larger team, and developing skills required for an operation on that scale. Property and Construction involved various projects from dealing with Disposal of surplus land, liaising with architects and engineers, tender construction projects, communicating and negotiating with contractors. Exposure to Head Office functions was for me, a complete eye opener into the wider business world. Lidl reward hard work and initiative with increased responsibility, and the old phrase "You get out what you put in" has proved correct over the last 11 months.

I have already written a proposal for my dissertation next year, which I am largely basing on Lidl's Supply Chain Operation. My evolving knowledge of different departments, and the company as a whole, has provided me with insightful information on the subject. Transferable skills that I will take back to my university program are Time Management, Initiative, Drive, IT skills, presenting confidence, and project management. I am now able to put theory into practice and vice-versa, which provides a far clearer understanding and knowledge of a subject than can be gained solely from a book. The Lidl Placement has provided the biggest step between my education and full time employability. I have a CV with a highly regarded Pan-European retailer, on the ‘Times Top 100 Graduate Employers’, and featuring a highly sought after placement.

The general atmosphere was positive and I was supported fully by colleagues in all work related matters. I would have enjoyed more time out with the office to get to know colleagues on a more personable level.

Initially the placement could have been better organised in regards to communication between different departments. However the overall setup in regards to departments you are exposed to, your role within the business, and the responsibility placed upon yourself, makes for an incredible 11 months.

3. On the job training forms the vast majority of development time throughout the placement. At each stage of the placement I have been assigned line managers, who have continually taken time out of their day to help me grow and develop. Senior Management have also been available for advice and knowledge on a regular basis throughout the placement. I have received nationally recognised certificates for various projects and work completed. I was personally granted an extended period of working time in Head Office Logistics, to develop my skills and knowledge in an area of interest for myself.

4. I have expressed an interest in working for the company once I graduate, in an area of particular interest. I have developed contacts and knowledge which has improved my prospects in regards to gaining full time employment. The Lidl Management Placement is looking for managers of the future, and the Placement is the perfect route into Graduate employment within Lidl. I have been encouraged that opportunities are available in various roles once I successfully graduate.

5. Due to geographical spread of placement students it proved difficult to meet up on a regular basis. All students have however joined social networking sites, and swapped telephone numbers to stay in touch and for support. On the various occasions when there is a national meeting of all Placement Students the atmosphere is always positive, fun, and full of laughs. I would however, have enjoyed more social time with colleagues in each department.

One particular event that I helped to organise and manage was a recruitment event in London. The event co-incided with the World Cup Final, and our recruitment drive was based around the event. On more social activities we played 5-a-side football once a week, which was a welcome chance to get to know everyone outside of work.