Placement Review at John Lewis

The Role

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Never have I had a job as enjoyable in all aspects of the environment. Not once did I see at as a chore to come to work

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

From day one I was a member of the team, had my own responsibilities and challenged, mentally on a daily basis. Not once was I treated with a lack of respect or made to do 'mundane' tasks like 'make the tea'.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

I was always supported in whatever I did. When I wanted to focus more on a specific area I was given all of the support I needed

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 1/10

Working In retail you would expect to be busy. I like having a lot to do so was happy I was kept busy otherwise I would have got bored!

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

As I had stated before, my responsibility was from day one was a lot. From recieving thankyous from the chairman for directly working on projects that saved the company over £60m, to working with directors and high profile cilents, they is a 'shed load' of responsibility!

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 fact that I have been working in strategy, practically for a year will no doubt be invaluable to me going forward. I have learnt more here in the past year than I have learnt at Uni since I started

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Great Office. Young Vibrant, lots of banter, always "working lunches" often in the pub! Great team!

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

★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 2/10

Within the department it was great. The overal though, not so good. They did try but putting me on a team building graduate course, 2 weeks, before I leave is pretty pointless and would of had no impact. Plus I was far to busy to attend patronising seminars.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

They was a catlogue of training events I could of booked on and attended. I didn' t utilise these but I could of if I wanted to. The sky was the limit.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

• Flexi Time
• Subsidised Canteen
• Sports and Social Club
• Subsidised/Company Gym
• National Travel
• International Travel
• Financial Bonus
• Company Parties/Events
• Staff Sales/Staff Shop
• Working from home
• Travel loan

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

As a graduate they only recruit into Management Services which is IT stuff. That is not for me. If I was offered a job as a consultant without the graduate scheme I would jump at it!

Other Information

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

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

The other students were all really nice guys. Wasn't loads but a 'cosy' amount. Would of liked more time to socialise but I was pretty busy

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

★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 3/10

I work in central London. One of the most expensive places in the country. I live in Guildford (one of the most expensive places in the country) but i managed. Would struggle without the student loan and season ticket loan for the train

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Central London!!!!

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Hundreds and Hundreds of clubs. It is a company that treats the employee better than the customer. Again a book full of subsidised cluba and activities. They even give you money back if you buy tickets to events! Even music festivals!!

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?

As JLP is a partnership all benefits are shared. Did I mention there was a 20% salary bonus this year? I have never worked for a company where there are so many benefits and where they actually care care about you. To that extent, as we are all partners in the company we can all have a say in the running of it. Incredible placement, Incredible year, Incredible people, incredible experience going forward!

Review 3/20 for John Lewis

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