Placement Year Review at Shop Direct Group

The Role

Role Description

The areas of impact include the accurate and compliant implementation of online promotions and the swift resolution of website issues. We also overlook the impacts on customer online experiences, as well as the company’s commercial and operational KPI’s.
We also assess the accurate commercial analysis and the impact of effective online promotions, and furthermore the effect of the company’s commercial KPI’s. The role also requires interaction with a variety of different teams across the business.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I have thoroughly enjoyed my placement! I believe I got the best out of my experience, given the responsibilities I recieved.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Through working closely with my buying team, I feel I built a strong working relationship with them. My manager gives me praise and also tells me how much I am valued by the Buying & Merchandising teams too!

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

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

During my placement I was given a lot of responsibility. I think my manager could see I like a good challenge and had given me various tasks to carry out each month.

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

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

The placement was unplanned, as I was taking over a lady going on Maternity leave! Although they managed well and I am grateful that nobody really knew I was a student on placement, as I feel I got the same treatment as every other colleague.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I believe that the extra responsibilities I was given, made me work twice as hard and therefore proving that I can face the challenges they give me.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

• Subsidised Canteen
• Company Parties/Events
• Staff Sales/Staff Shop

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I believe there is a lot of potential for working back at Shop Direct Group! I would not return to the same team, as it not something I would want to have as my career. The role I am in, has nothing to aspire to and you cannot work your way up. I would definately like to return to the company once I have Graduated.

Other Information

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

To commute everyday in a car share this cost me £90 a month. I also found that if i bought my breakfasts and dinners and also refreshements everyday, I could end up spending £20 a week, I found it easier to provide everything myself.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

From living near to Liverpool anyway, I already knew my way around the city, however from working with a lot of people who live in Liverpool, they have shown me new places to go on a night out.

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

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

I helped out with the mid season fashion show as a runer! This was the only opportunity of helping out after work. I really enjoyed this, as would consider doing it again.

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?

I have had an amazing time on my placement at Shop Direct. I feel the job has brought out the best in my skills and abilities in a business environment and I know that I can take my new found skills and knowledge back to University to my final year with me! I have made great friends since working here, making the placement a much more enjoyable experience.