Placement Year Review at Debenhams

The Role

Role Description

During my placement I analysed any business problems within the company and attempted to find solutions to these problems. I also created and tested new business systems within the company, which made it more easy and effecient to manage finances and plan financially for the next year.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

It was very challenging and demanding, but in the end it was definitely worth all the stress and pressure. Debenhams is such an established and renowned company and the chance to work alongside some of the country's best business minds made my placement more than worthwhile.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

I couldn't fault the staff. They were working under immense pressure and stress every day, yet they were all so cheery and friendly. I'll never forget the huge efforts they made on my first few weeks to help me settle in and feel more comfortable. I would gladly work with the staff there for every day of my working life.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

The manager was perhaps the most friendly of all the people there. He was always visiting me to see if I was happy and that I fully-understood what jobs I had to do. One thing I loved about the manager was that he didn't act like I was working beneath him, he treated me like we were both working at the same level, which I found very pleasurable.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

The work was so challenging and difficult that you never had a moment to spare, however I never felt over-worked either. I guess it was the perfect balance.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Initially I had very little responsiblity, however once I had settled in and was able to show my business acumen I quickly gained more responsiblity. I think that once I showed them that I was capable of the tasks, they allowed me to progress to a more important, critical level.

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 gained invaluable skills from this placement. The fact that I was working for such a prestigious company also enabled me to develop more quickly, as I knew that the systems they had employed were foolproof and could be trusted entirely.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

There was an incredible atmosphere in the office almost all of the working day. As the work was so challenging you knew that everybody in the office was capable, business-wise, of doing the work - otherwise they would never have been able to reach such an important position in the company - so that allowed everybody to be friendly and social with each other. I think that if a student with lowly business skills and mentality had joined the company then the office atmosphere would possibly have changed as all the other staff would have been on edge waiting for the student to slip up or make a mistake.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

It was faultless. They made sure that you were capable of doing the more difficult tasks before they allowed you to attempt them. Additionally, they weren't disappointed in you if you were struggling with certain tasks either. They let you develop at your own pace but still challenged you.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I attended numerous training courses on behalf of the company, which showed their very serious investment in me. At times I was out of the office for upto three days if the courses were particularly thorough or demanding. Debenhams definitely treat every member of their staff, even placement students, with respect.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

• Flexi Time
• Financial Bonus
• Company Parties/Events
• Staff Sales/Staff Shop
• Travel loan

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

All through my placement I was told that if I worked hard enough and impressed my manager a job could potentially be waiting for me after I graduated. This turned out to be true and I now work permanently for the company; although in a different office to the one I spent my placement in.

Other Information

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

The social atmosphere in the office stretched to outside of the workplace aswell. I went to countless parties and summer barbeques with my work colleagues as we all got on so well.

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

★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 2/10

I think London is possibly the most expensive place in the world, let alone the country. Money was always very tight but I made the effort to get out and socialise atleast once a week.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

You couldn't ask for a better nightout than in London. There's so much variety and events that there is always something to do. London really is for everyone and anyone - I challenge anyone to have a bad nightout in the capital!

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Nearly every week I was invited to a new event that my colleagues were attending. Also, the Christmas party was possibly the greatest night of my life. It was the most fun I've ever had. To all placement students, I advise you to spend your placement at Debenhams for the Christmas party alone - it's incredible.

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?

Debenhams, as a company, look after their staff exceptionally well. If during the first few weeks of your placement you feel like you want to cancel your placement, just let your manager know how you are feeling and stick it out - you won't regret it!

Review 19/25 for Debenhams

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