Placement Year Review at Debenhams

The Role

Role Description

Merchandising - making stock intake and ordering stock, liasing with buyers and suppliers, ensuring delivery dates are met, dealing with store quieries about stock issues and liasing with distribution team when necessary.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

I really enjoyed my placement and throught it was a worth while experience. It was challenging and exciting and got to take on a lot of responsibilty. It was sometimes tiring and stressful with long hours but definately a great oppertunity.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I felt like my work was appriciated and often was commented on and thanked for my hard work.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

My line manager and other team members were very supportive and approachable so felt I could supported throughout my placement

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 2/10

Most of the time i felt I had too much work to do, but there were many changes to my team during my time there. I enjoyed being busy however and enjoyed the face pace environment.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

I was given a lot more responsibily that I thought I would, which was worrying at first but I felt that i progressed quicker and became more confident as a result and i knew that my team trusted me.

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

I have already found my placement year helpful in my final year as I can relate to my experiences with what we are taught. It has made me more certian about my career path and I will take use the skills I have gained in all areas of life.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

It varied as to the time of the week, mondays were very stressful and the atmosphere was often tense but there were times where the mood was lighter and more enjoyable.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Debenhams had a very structured placement scheme, from applying online to my last day ran smoothly, HR are very good at supporting you through the placement

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I was offered and took part at a number of training courses. I also got to go to talks and presentations that were relevant to my area of work. Only problem was that some training courses were held too early on in my placement year and it was a lot of information to take in about systems we hadnt even used yet.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

• Company Parties/Events
• Staff Sales/Staff Shop
• Travel loan

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

I was made an offer at the end of my placement for position as AM to start after my degree course

Other Information

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

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

Mostly, nights out were planned but trying to get everybody together at the same time proved difficult.

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

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

I lived and commuted from home (2hrs away) -travelling was bery expensive. socialising was quite expensive too as bars in london are expensive.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Being at debenhams meant i was in the heart of london, very easy access to the major clubs and bars

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

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

There were a few clubs and social events but nothing that appealed to a lot of people

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?

Doing a placement is a very worth while experience - in my opinion it prepares you more for your final year and you gain skills that are useful for any job that you go into

Review 5/26 for Debenhams

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