Merchandising and Buying Placement Review
by TJX Europe
This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.
Rating
-
The Role
4.3
-
The Company
4.3
-
The Culture
3.0
- 1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?
- 2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?
- 3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?
- 4. How busy were you on a daily basis?
- 5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?
- 6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
- 7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?
- 8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?
- 9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
- 10. What were the perks on your work placement?
- 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?
- 12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?
- 13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?
- 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?
- 15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?
The Role
TJX Europe is an exciting, fast-paced and a flexible business. The employees are all so passionate for TJX's unique business model- it soon rubs off on you! There is a real placement/ graduate commuinty-' a work hard, play hard feel.'
The company appreciates opinions, challenges and ideas from any level. When you enter in Merchandising in particular ( first 6 months) there is 'real' responsibility- it's like owning your own mini business. In merchandising you'll work in a team as well as working closely with buying, logistics, the DC's and other functions also. You are treated the same as a Graduate doing exactly the same job.
When you enter the business you are given a line manager, a mentor and a Buddy (someone who has recently been in your job role). You can have catch ups with your line manager as often as once a week. But ultimately it's up to you to drive them and figure out what works best for you. You are also given sponsors and coordinators espicially for the placements if you ever need to talk.
Perfect work balance. Buying has some early starts and late finishes with the travel involved but that's the nature of the job.
Merchandising provided a lot of responsibility. Doesn't what and how much of a product goes where- you control the shipment of products.
You are constantly being challenged in this job to drive your learning. There are workshops such as time management, recieveing feedback, presentations which will be valuable both at University and in a work place.
The Company
It was an adhoc, open door policy enviroment. It did vary in different departments but it just depends what characters work where. If sales were great dominos would be ordered for the Monday.
There was a clear structure from the beginning: 3 months training, 4 months merchandising, 1 month buyers admin, 4 months assisting/shadowing a buyer. They are getting more orgainised per intake.
They have constant training, presentations to give you exposure and to develop skills. You also get involved in days such as Times Graduate Challenge, Analyst Bus Tours and much much more!
International Travel
Company Parties/Events
Staff Sales/Staff Shop
As long as you work hard and are a cultral fit, there is a chance of you returning on the Graduate Scheme (fast-tracked)
The Culture
It was a small intake. However it's growing and should get better.
Watford are busy on the weekends but not everybody's cup of tea. London is only 15 mins on the train which can cater for any type of night.
There is football (mens) and hockey but otherwise very little.
Details
Placement (10 Months+)
South East
July 2014
