Placement Year Review at Debenhams

The Role

Role Description

Assistant to buyer and assistant buyer in Lingerie Division. Responsible for sample library, managing and organising fit samples, laising with suppliers, order processing, colour approvals.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

The whole experience was very enjoyable. Whilst there were some less enjoyable moments, these were far outweighed by the good and overall I had a great time.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

My colleagues were very vocal with praise for my work, which was very motivating.

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

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

It's a 50/50 mix because you are expected to use your iniative and take ownership for your roles. Management were very approachable when I needed support, but generally you just had to get on with it!

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

I was never short of things to do! The workload was very heavy, the most important thing I learnt was to prioritise and control my time management.

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

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

There were times when it was frustrating that I wasn't able to get involved in certain things, but for the work I was allocated was very important and so responsibility levels were very high.

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

The experience was invaluable. I learnt so much about the field of buying as well as business operations in general which I know will benefit me in the future. I also became equipped with vital skills such as time management, super-organisation!, presentation skills etc, which will be very useful now that I am in my final year.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

Often stress levels were quite evident as the environment is very open, but in general the atmosphere was pleasant.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Its a great scheme, you learn so much and there are lots of courses you can go on to aid your personal development. There is a good structure to the scheme and HR were very supportive throughout the year.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Almost all courses were available to myself, and my bosses were keen for me to go on as many as I wanted.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 2/10

• There were no perks with this placement year

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

I was signed off at the first level of buying, and offered a place to return next year. So if I go back, I will already be one step ahead of any new trainees.

Other Information

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

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

Everyone got on well and we organised a few socials amonst ourselves.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Central London is expensive! But it's manageable.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

There were some good bars and pubs (with happy hour!) near the office.

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

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

I wasnt really aware of any other activities.

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?

Id recommend a placement to everyone, you can't underestimate how much you will learn and how useful the tools you pick up will be.

Review 1/26 for Debenhams

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