Placement Review at The Co-operative Group

The Role

Role Description

My main job duty was to monitor the sales performance of the 'Fresh Produce' items in the region's Co-Operative stores. I kept track of sales figures for all products and had to report the sales results to my manager. Then, if the figures were below the previous month's projections, I had to present my ideas for improving these in the business meetings. In these team meetings, we discussed different strategies for advertising and marketing the products which were underperforming.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I found that spending my placement at such an established company, such as the Co-Operative, really allowed my business skills to blossom. I loved the idea that every decision I made could potentially impact upon the performance of the business. It was thrilling to think that every suggestion I put forward could bring extra revenue to the company.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I mostly interacted with my colleagues during the team meetings where we discussed the sales performance of the department. Whenever I made a suggestion or put forward a point, I felt like the team were really listening to my feedback and ideas. I certainly felt like they appreciated my contributions.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

My manager was the most considerate person I have ever worked under. She took the time nearly every day to ask how I felt the placement was going and whether I needed any help. It was a pleasure to come into work every day.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I was so consumed in my work that I never really paid attention to how little or excessive it was. I was never sat bored at my desk as if there was only a few tasks to do, I enjoyed spending more time thinking about them and doing them to the best of my ability.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Understandably, I wasn't given full control of the department but I was allowed just enough responsiblity to feel that my efforts and investment in the department were worthwhile.

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

My business skills improved dramatically whilst I was on placement. There really is nothing more beneficial for a young business student than to get first-hand experience in the industry. During my time at the Co-Operative my business acumen came on leaps and bounds.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

I was too invested in my work to spend the day socialising, but everyone who I encountered in the company was pleasant enough.

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

★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 3/10

I didn't hear back from the company for a long time after doing my interview. But, overall, I'm glad they offered me a placement opportunity as I loved every second of it. There really is no where better to spend your placement than the Co-Operative.

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

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

I was never offered any professional training, but I was allowed to access the company's sales figures which I felt showed their trust and investment in me. I was also heavily involved in the marketing aspect of the company, which is central to the business as a whole.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 4/10

• Subsidised Canteen
• Staff Sales/Staff Shop
• Travel loan

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

★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 1/10

It's notoriously difficult to secure a permanent position at the company; and my experience wasn't any different. I did my placement, returned to university, and never heard from them again. Which is sad as I would jump at the chance to work for the company.

Other Information

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

Me and my colleagues often went for meals in nearby restaurants during our lunch. I didn't know anybody particularly well but still got an invitation, which I think perfectly shows how strong the social scene is - it's a very friendly place.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I lived in a nice apartment in Salford which was relatively cheap - if the same apartment had been located in Manchester city centre it would have been atleast three times more expensive. However, the downside of living in Salford is that it's not safe to leave your apartment at night so it's impossible to have a busy social life - unless you can afford expensive taxi fares.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Manchester city centre has everything you could wish for. I'm not really a clubbing person myself, so I spent a lot of time at the casino and the cinema. Occasionally, I even attended a few theatre showings aswell.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

There were lots of meals organised and a few barbeques during the holiday periods. Thankfully, there weren't too many nights out or visits to the local pubs and bars. Everybody was pleasant to each other but we were all aware that everybody had their own private circles of friends which they spent their time out of work with.

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?

Don't be worried if you go for an interview and don't hear back for a month or so. From what I've read this is the normal procedure. Just be patient as this really is a great company to spend your placement at.

Review 4/6 for The Co-operative Group

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