Placement Year Review at John Lewis

The Role

Role Description

Creating requisitions / processing purchase orders. Invoice queries, chasing for payment, accounting reports, dealing with suppliers, quantity surveyors, project managers.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

I have had the chance to learn so much, a good range of skills that will has put me in good stead for when I start working after graduation

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I was never treated as a placement student. I was not talked down on, and my abilities were never questioned.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I was always encouraged to go on visits to other areas of the business, to see construction phase, to attend seminars / courses on time management courses etc.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 3/10

The department work on strict deadlines, and it is vital that orders are placed as soon as we receive the information so that suppliers can be paid, hence there was never any time to get bored :)

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I was practically doing the same job as my supervisor (with some obvious exceptions - I couldnt approve anything over a £1,000,000.00)

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I did not have any idea of what working in an office would be like. I have come across so many different problems / techniques that vary depending on the problem. These will help me with organising myself in my final year.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

We all got on well

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

There was a programme in place for us, which helped. We got to meet other placement students

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Let us go on as many visits as possible and paid for travel. Paid us to go on placement days - and have development days.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

• Subsidised Canteen
• Subsidised/Company Gym
• National Travel
• Financial Bonus
• Company Parties/Events
• Staff Sales/Staff Shop

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

★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 4/10

You do not bypass the grad scheme application stage. Still need to go through the same route as everyone else.

Other Information

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Everyone got on well, lots of fun and laughter

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

London = expensive

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

London = good nightlife

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

Yes - although I did not take advantage

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?

Make sure you take advantage, ask lots of questions, this is your only real opportunity to learn and visit all the different departments / areas of the business and get paid to do it = GREAT :)

Review 7/20 for John Lewis

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