BPP Commercial Manager at Marks & Spencer

BPP Commercial Manager

Isabel Bielski

Business

Placement (10 Months+)

Marks & Spencer

What was the interview process like?

It was surprisingly enjoyable. The interview day consisted of a range of activities from group to individual tasks allowing you the opportunity to gain an idea of what the job entailed and test your natural abilities. If you enjoy the day, you will invariably enjoy the job and know what to expect.

What advice would you give to someone applying for your role?

Be yourself. You might not know whether the job is for you, but if you make it through to the end, then you are likely to be a perfect fit. The assessors are in the role themselves and therefore know what is required, so it shows if you relax and act like you would if you were performing the role.

What has been your biggest challenge?

Adapting from student life to the world of work. From the smallest things like getting up in the morning to how you interact with people. The majority of individuals you have to manage are older than you and gaining their respect was probably one of the hardest challenges, but most important to succeed in.

What did you most enjoy about your role?

The interaction with people, I had a great team and the relationships I built in store carried on even after I left. The team have so much experience, I was able to learn a lot. I also enjoyed being able to work in each area of the store, so I knew which I enjoyed most.

What was the atmosphere like in your team?

Supportive, and most importantly fun. The team all wanted me to learn, to give me the best experience and chance of success possible. They also made sure that I enjoyed myself and had a fun time whilst in store, which is the best way to learn without a doubt.