Placement Year Review at Marks & Spencer

The Role

Role Description

working as part of the management team of a department store responsable for the day to day running of the store and its departments as well as the seasonal changes in store layout and commercial decision making to maximise sales opportunities and sales figures.

1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

some elements of thejob are a struggle. however that is part of the overall challenge that i found so enjoyable. every day dishesout new challenges that may be a struggle at first but once they have been overcome you are satisfied.

2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

the stirling store staff take you under their wing! they want you to succeed in your training as much as you do. as do the management team. store manager WILL get the best out of you. it might not seem like this at the time but she will!

3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

so long as you are prepared to work and give it your all the management team support you 100% of the way.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

lots to do! so long as you learn tomanage your time and delegate tasks its all doable!

5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

by the endof the year you are effectivly duty manager when store manager is not ther. you are responsable for the running of first of all a section within a department, then progressing to the full dept then the whole store.

6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

time management. people skills are a must. the people in the branch have often bee doing the job for 25 plus years. respect them. you will learn a great deal from them!

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

most days atmosphere was spot on. somedays like all jobs, you just want to walk out! but not very often. getting through the walk out days makes you feel like you have acheived so much more and you gain a lot of respect from your collegues for getting through it

8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

outstanding! endless courses to go on teaching you about your own style of management and how to develope it as well as functional courses on how to handle situations on a day to day basis.

9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

like i say thousands was spent on accomodation and courses. you get a real feelingof the comapny see your future with them

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

• Subsidised Canteen
• Financial Bonus
• Company Parties/Events
• Staff Sales/Staff Shop
• Above 25 days holiday

11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

if you succeed in your training and are fully signed off with all the compitancies you will be reccomended as a commercial manager upon your graduation.

Other Information

12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

i was the only "placement" student there. but lots of young members of staff who are spot on! made somevery good mates during my time there

13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

i lived in city centre so no probs for me

14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

not bad plenty of pubs couple of clubs butnotfar from glasgow

15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

couldn't be bothered to findout to be honest.

In addition to these questions, is there any extra information you would like to leave about your experiences on your work placement that other students may be interested in?

if you don't like retail then don't apply! ifyou are prepared to put the time andeffort in this could be the best year of your life. it was mine!

Review 73/73 for Marks & Spencer

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