Placement Review at George

The Role

Role Description

Analysing sales data, producing reports for the board on a daily and weekly basis using this data.
Working with external suppliers to set up and report and license agreements.
Worked with individual trading teams reporting on different sales events and promotions.
Regular analysis of competitor environment and performance.
Helping in the planning and forecasting of sales.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Fantastic support from my line manager, a challenging role, and, by the end, a great amount of responsibility. Brilliant visibility within the company, particularly with the board.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Really friendly environment to work in, where you are always encouraged to ask questions, and there is real support for new people. Everyone, including at a very senior level is extremely approachable.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Brilliant line manager who constantly stretched me, but always offered a safety net with support and encouragement. The training opportunities for my role were not vast, but I was alwatys encouraged to take what was on offer.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

For the first 6 months, as I grew more confident with each new task, there was always something new to do. There was a period near the end where I felt that things were starting to fade out, but I mentioned this to my manager, and this was addressed.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

A huge amount of my responsibilities went straight to the board, and a large number of the reports I produced were used by the whole business.

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

The way I approach any work has improved in terms of proffessionalism, and my confidence when dealing with senior members of a business have also improved. I am in a far better position to work within a business, and tailor the work I do to suit those who use it.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Professional, sometimes quite hectic, but always enjoyable.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

I was the first commercial placement, so there were certain areas where the position needed developing and changing.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

Any training courses that I thought would be of a benefit I was encouraged to attend, and I was constantly being trained on the job.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

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

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

The visibility I received from my role meant I worked with a number of senior members of the business, and have spoken to one or two about the possiblity of returning once I graduate.

Other Information

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

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

It was ok, but probably the weakest aspect of the whole year. I was offered the position after all the other placements, and therefore was not with them when organising accomodation, or during our inductions into the business.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

Was ok, though an expensive taxi back from Leicester.

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

★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 2/10

Pretty poor in Hinckley, but Leicester itself was good fun.

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

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

A few, but there wasn't really the time to look into it properly.

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?

A car is an almost definate requirement. The retail industry is fantastic as things never stand still, and the year has flown by...always a good sign.

Review 15/19 for George

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