Assistant Project Manager [Waitrose] Review

I think that the role I did allowed me to understand what I want to do in the future. I now know that I want to work in grocery retailing and knowing that is amazing because I can now focus on getting the job I know I really want, rather then still searching. Equally I enjoyed my year because I am not comfortable in corporate situation - big meetings - talking to people high up - working with all types of people. Everyone is lovely and will always do what’s right for you.

The work I do is not some side line job that my team have created. It really work that if I wasn't here they would be doing. I work to strict deadlines and all the wins we have as a team are celebrated and are for the whole team. Waitrose is very good at making sure you are valued. If you feel other wise then its important to know that you can speak up and changed will be made.

Every question I had, work related or not was answered. I trusted my manager and they trusted me. I would say always be honest and understand that as long as you do your best then that is enough for Waitrose. They are an excellent company to work for and they guide their managers on how to treat you as well as them guiding you. I was often give advise before entering a new situation and then I would revisit any ‘learns’ (areas of improvement) they always what to make sure you are improving and they will always give you challenges but for your level. So trust their judgement they wont let you fall flat on your face.

At the start of the year you will not be busy becuase you dont really know what your doing. But it is not nearing the end of my year and I have a list as long as my arm, which is ever growing with requiest. You will work up to what you can cope with. The MOST improtant thing it to make sure you understand how much you can do in an alloted amount of time. Say no if you cant and organise your self. In the team we keep a group calander which shows when peices of work have to be finished. I use this as my bible and it alows me to plan my own time.

I was given responsibility for big tasks and for information which is critical for new build projects. If info didn’t go out on a known date then there would be issues. Nothing that couldn’t be solved, thankfully. If you want lots of responsibility then take the small tasks seriously, they might not seem great but lots of people relay on them. After a few months you will have proved you are trusted and understand the importance of deadlines etc. so I except with the right mind set everyone will be given responsibility.

My year has been great and I would advise everyone be part of Waitrose. I loved the people hear and the type of company we are ... have a look online you wont believe some of the great stuff - we have our own farm you know. I am far more confidant, organised and I have a better understanding of the working world.

In my team we are light hearted and we all like a good joke. Remember you are in a retailers head office its not going to be like google. We work hard and to reward partners there are lots of clubs and activites you can get invovled in. As well as meeting up with the other placement students ... head office isnt that big kind of like a small uni so you can always pop over for lunch.

I think the placement experience has been over hauled alot since I started. When I started my placement I just turned up and that was it. which is not great but this years intake have meet with my year and each other. They are all living in a bi house and will come to work together which is what was missing from my year. Other then that each team is responsible for there own placement student, so it varied. I had a two week programme and then just took on more work when I had free time I now to maybe three or four times the amount of work I didnt when I started but its all up to you as to how much you think you can do. I would say take all the opportunities you can but learn to say no when you dont have time for something.

I had a PDP personnel development plan, my whole year was planned around me, What do I need to learn, what do I struggle with, what do I love doing? I had a 3 hour meeting every month or so and when though everything. In these meetings you could talk about technical work / experience / home / everything that you think is relevant.

Waitrose is growing so fast that there are will be lots of great oportunites with them. I think that even if I dont work for them stright out of uni I will look to come back to the company. They are great and really put time and effort in to making this is a great company to work for. Everyone that works at Waitrose LOVES waitrose which is quite funny but also lovely.

You will have to make your own fun but yes and becuase of all the big comanpys around the M4 Im sure you will know lots of other students in the local comanpies. we went to the Acsot races / Henley regatta and lots of nights out. We also BBQed but that didnt go to well .... it was dark before we lite it!! It will be fun!

It is quite high living costs but I would you can more then survive on the pay. It can be London prices to go out but the local student union Reading is a cheap night out :) and fun. If you can get a student house that is cheaper too. other wise room rent is like £350 -£400 a month. I paid £250 a month for a student room. Eating out can be expensive and travel down here is quite alot too. You have to go though london to get anywhere really.

Not great, you will need to make your own fun. getting into the student stuff is hard becuase you work 9-5 5 days aweek. but it can be done!

I think if your a boy it is easier becuase there is football and sports but there is yoga and charity stuff. Have a look this is one of the best things Waitrose does.... you will be suprised.