Placement Year Review at Lidl

The Role

Role Description

In my second year of university, I began applying for placements in the Business and Retail sector of the Industry. I wanted to secure a placement in a business, which would continually challenge myself with the variety and pressure that I crave. After reading about Lidl as a company and the placement that they offer, I knew that to experience this would be a fantastic opportunity for myself and would provide me with the responsibility and challenge which I demand. As Lidl is a fast expanding company throughout Europe and has a wide variety of brands and products to work with, I knew this was something I could get passionate about. I began my initial 12 weeks training which included 4 weeks in store,4 weeks in the warehouse, 2 weeks in Head Office in London, 1 week in Admin and 1 week in property.This allowed me to extend my knowledge of the business and provide me with a strong basis for my future 9months. I went onto complete my first module in store and began my deputy store manager training straight away,this was for 12 weeks and i gained huge responsibility and pressure but really enjoyed this experience.I then went onto extend my time in store by continuing to complete my store manager training for a further 12 weeks,which allowed me to open and close the store,run shifts,manage staff,rotas etc.this was a very exciting time for me. I then decided i wanted to gain further knowledge within Lidl and spent 6 weeks in the property division, which was split between construction and aquisition.I was given a lot of responsibility and was trusted with many tasks.I will finish my placement shadowing my district manager and gaining even more knowledge and finishing my placement through a full circle of the company.I am continuing in store whilst i finish my final year at University and hopefully return to Lidl when i graduate as a training District Manager. This has been a tough 48 weeks but i have gained so much knowledge,grown as a person and have a very impressive CV which will definately further my career,which ever route I take. Lidl are a great employer to work for and offer fantastic career opportunities for hard work people.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

I have really enjoyed my time with Lidl,it was tough at times but it is worth it all and i have gained many skills and knowledge from the large amount of responsibilty i have held.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I moved departments and store on a regular basis and at times felt like I was starting a new job each month,but I never came across anyone who wasnt willing to help me suceed or assist me when needed.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

I had my District Manager there for any problems i had,but i would prefer to deal with any myself. I had a 3monthly appraisal and would be in constant contact with my mentor.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 2/10

Very busy but i prefer to work under pressure and with quick results.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

I was managing staff,opening and closing the stores,running shifts,presenting to management,holding meetings and alot more that i was willing to handle.

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 have gained a great deal this year, my CV has improved significantly and i have gained skills and recognised qualifications throughout my placement with Lidl.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Store was very busy but i worked with great people and in a team.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

I was provided with a placement booklet from day 1, which outlined my year and what options i had available. It was well structured and i knew what my route would be right the way through.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

I was fully trained in each department to ensure i gained a good understanding of Lidl and that i would benefit from each division. I gained qualifications and skills which will be recognised throughout the industry.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

• Flexi Time
• National Travel
• Company Parties/Events
• Above 25 days holiday

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

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

Hopefully returning on the Graduate programme once my degree is finished next year.

Other Information

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

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

Yes, we met up every 3 months in London for extra training and a chance to catch up with the fellow students throughout the country.

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

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

I live in my own house, so no need for living expenses.

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

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

N/A

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

Some social gatherings but as i moved around so much, i kept that seperate to my social life.

Review 19/25 for Lidl

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