Placement Year Review at Marks & Spencer

The Role

Role Description

Look for sales opportunities around the store to help increase sales. Direct line management of managers and customer assisstants. Layout products to policy. Ensure staffing is correct for the store. Enhance working relationships with all levels to get the most from all staff.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Really really enjoyable and given lots of responsibility Whig I wasn't expecting such as taking charge of a whole floor or the food hall and being expected to makes the planned sales targets

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

All the management team were happy to have an extra pair of hands to help out. They gave me some of their duties to sort myself to give me more responsibility which
is good. They were interested in my Uni course and
offered to help whenever I needed it. We all were able to have a laugh as well as be serious when it mattered

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Always offered help and if I was stuck with anything, I was able to ask and someone would willingly help me resolve the problem at hand

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

There are times when there is a lot to do but this is part of the retail environment and being part of a worldwide company. However, this does come with it's rewards as store managers give out praise that is due

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

At first there isn't much ad you are in an unfamiliar environment. However, I have been the duty manager and running the store on more than a few occasions meaning I am responsible for whatever happens in store on that day which is a lot of responsibility and a lot to cover and remember

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I have been able to write Uni assignments on my placement and have been able to obtain lots of information to take back with me for my final year of uni

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

While at work we were serious as you have to be in retail. However, we were able to have fun and have a laugh throughout the day and this was really enjoyable

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

The programme is well set up giving the training required and people being able to help you. At first, not everyone was fully aware of what my role within the store was but after talking to them, this was made apparent

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

The business invests a lot of money and time in it's trainees. There are many courses you take part in and they pay well. There is also a lot of managers time invested in you which helps learnig

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

• 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 9/10

The company offers great opportunities to progress to different levels of management and pay structure. This is very enticing and something I will be looking into after uni

Other Information

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Yes as during training days we would go out for meals after and we have kept in touch outside of the workplace which is nice as if we all return after Uni, we will be on a level playing field and can talk about experiences

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

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

Peterborough is not too expensive but it's better to have a bit of a walk to get to work as there is quite a difference between the centre and outskirts

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Lots of bars including the usual main chains. One club which is liquid which is also a main chain club. Good night out

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Lots of local football teams and fitness opportunities. Parks to chill out and bowling as well. Average range of opportunities

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?

It is hard work but very rewarding and you could be lucky enough to have a job to go to when you leave Uni which is more than most people can say. I managed to live close to home and with a great team. Uni was still only an hour away so could still go and visit. I would definately recommend it if you like retail

Review 22/71 for Marks & Spencer

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