Internship Review at John Lewis

The Role

Role Description

The Summer Placement Scheme was designed to give students in their penultimate year of study an insight into retail management with John Lewis. Whilst there I was asked to complete two projects. The first project was called 'Setting up for Christmas', this tasked me with finding out what exactly each department does with regards to setting up for Christmas. I had to analyse my research and suggest ways where departments and the store could improve, this was to be presented to a board of managers at the end of my placement.

On top of this I was given a specific section of the shop floor to look after, I was asked to monitor the school wear lines and ensure that the shop floor was stocked at all times. I was given a structured program which enabled me to experience different management styles in different departments. This program also enabled me to undertake day to day tasks like any other manager in store. At times I was asked to manage the shop floor, analyse performance, also analyse figures and present daily sales figures at figure round.

The second part of my placement involved a project on the Summer Placement Scheme itself. This project involved finding out exactly what the competitors of John lewis offered and how they promoted and marketed their different schemes. Recommendations were to be made at the end of the placement as to what John Lewis should do to develop their Summer Placement Scheme.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

This was an excellent opportunity to develop skills I had learnt earlier in life. Before working for John Lewis as one of their Summer Placement students I had worked in retail for five years. I was keen to learn as much as possible from my time with John Lewis and enjoy it as much as I could.

I was given a structured program which allowed me to experience different areas of the branch where I was based. In doing this I was able to learn different techniques from different people all of whom had different amounts of responsibility and experience. In only a short space in time this helped me to develop different skills and I am now fully aware of what will be expected of me in the future.

I enjoyed the fact that each day was different and there was no repetition, this kept me constantly on my toes as I had to be flexible to adapt to what each task asked of me.

Compared to other companies I have worked for John Lewis ranks right at the top in a number of different areas. I would recommend this placement to anyone who asked, providing you enjoy the retail environment you will enjoy this job as it constantly challenges you.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Before my first day I was feeling very nervous about starting, everything was running through my mind and the most important factor was would I be welcomed?

Now doing this review I honestly do not know why I was so nervous, everyone was so friendly from the Managing Director to all of the partners. If I ever needed help with anything everyone was only to happy to help.

From my first day I was helped by people who taught me little techniques helping me to manage my time on the shop floor efficiently.

I was given a lot of exposure to the senior management team called the steering group. This was something I was really impressed with as they allowed me to question them about the John Lewis Graduate scheme. This was something which I was interested in joining, therefore I was able to gain an understanding of what was expected from applicants.

The way the Partnership is designed I do not believe that anyone could feel like a stranger within a branch.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

As fore mentioned I was given exposure to management on all levels. The Section Managers on my department were fantastic they welcomed me into their team straight away and the way we bonded felt like we had worked together for a while. Any questions I had they were always there for me, and in some instances they asked my opinion on decisions. The discussions we had on a daily basis allowed me to gain an understanding of what was expected of them in their role.

My department manager also offered me an open door policy if there was anything I needed to ask I could always go to her with it, however as the section manager usually knew the answers I very rarely had to go to her with anything. Though when I did an honest answer was always given, this has helped me to improve as a person and as a leader.

The steering Group also met with me on a number of times, this was sometimes to help to give me guidance on the project they had set. They allowed me to question them on it and i was able to build a successful project from these meetings. they also met with me to discuss my future with John Lewis, as I had informed them of my intentions to apply for the Central Graduate Scheme. These meetings have given me direction in my application for the Graduate Scheme.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

This job role was one which ensured I was busy each day. I had a set schedule of events and meetings which i had to attend and complete. On top of this schedule I personally booked in training which I believed would enhance the effectiveness and quality of my projects.

My department manager tasked me each day with a number of different jobs on top of ensuring that the school wear lines were kept in stock and represented on the shop floor in the correct way.

There was not a moment whilst i was with John Lewis in which I was not busy.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

I was given the same responsibility as a section manager. This allowed me to manage and operate a specific section and if it was successful/unsuccessful then the responsibility would lie with me.

As i was allowed to manage the shop floor, I don't think that I could ask for anymore responsibility in the short time I was with John Lewis.

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 believe that this placement has given me a great insight into a management position with John Lewis. They are a company who I now wish to have a long lasting career with, therefore the skills I have learnt are invaluable.

However even if I am not successful with my application I do believe that John Lewis have provided me with a fantastic level to develop from. I now have skills which can be adapted and used successfully in any profession.

Before starting the Summer Placement Scheme academically I was successful. It has helped me to develop skills, though I have not gained any new ones. However going into my final year at university I have something to work towards a goal which will help to focus my mind.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

The atmosphere within the John Lewis Partnership is great. I think the fact that the company is ran like a partnership helps with this. Each member of staff feels like they are part of the organisation which helps to push it forward.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

My placement was planned from start to finish. This was not a surprise to me as everything within John Lewis is carefully planned and organised.

I am very thankful it ran so smoothly.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

I was involved in all training sessions that Section Managers attended. These included a number of master classes in which i was taught how to merchandise and display stock correctly. I was also given access to all the systems which the store operated from allowing me to complete my job to the best of my ability.

I felt I was valued and senior managers cared about my development, this was shown by the amount of time they dedicated into working with me.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

• Subsidised Canteen
• Sports and Social Club
• Company Parties/Events

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

I secured a part time position working on a different department in Newcastle, which was beyond what I ever expected. I was also invited to an assessment centre for the Graduate Scheme.

Other Information

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Whilst I solely attended this placement to work I don't believe that this question should influence a decision on whether or not to work for a company or not. However I know Newcastle very well as a city and it does have a good nightlife. There was the opportunity to go on staff nights out, I just chose not to.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

The cost of living in Newcastle is fairly reasonable, for shared accommodation it currently costs on average around £50 p.w. The cost of a night out is not much either depending on what night it is you can easily have a good night out for £20.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Newcastle has a great nightlife and has something to offer everyone, there is no chance of being bored in this city.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

My time was very short with the Partnership, however if you are to work for them for a longer period than what I did there are fantastic opportunities to get involved with a wide range of activities outside of work.

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?

Although my placement was based in Newcastle it may interest students to know that the Summer Placement Scheme is available in any of the John Lewis department stores nationwide.

Review 8/20 for John Lewis

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