Retail Placement Student

Lucy G

Business

Placement (10 Months+)

What made you apply to ASDA?

I was working part-time at ASDA while studying and became a seasonal colleague. As part of my course at University I was able to undertake a paid placement for one year. I found out about the Asda Internship on my University website. I liked Asda already and my Dad saw the opportunity in a Global company for real development and career growth, so I had no hesitation in applying.

How has this placement affected your career prospects?

I already now have a career sorted with Enterprise after university – could it be any better? Enterprise values their interns in a big way! The best news is that after 12 months as an intern, I’ve completed the management training programme so I am returning at a higher level when I graduate.

Any top tips for students in a placement?

Make the most of it – it’s amazing how quickly a year can go. The more you get out from this year in industry will benefit you so much more after you finish final year. Definitely get as much money saved as well to be ready for university in September!

What was your role on the internship?

My role was a Marketing Assistant on the Trading Floor. I was working on non-edible groceries – cleaning and healthcare. I was dealing with some of the largest FMCG companies in the world, P&G, Mars & Unilever. As soon as you start on the placement your exposure quadruples and you get a real insight into retail and how suppliers work. I was working with huge brands from day one.

What did you enjoy most?

The internship went really well. I loved being at the heart of it all. I was making decisions that impacted on all stores, which gave me the opportunity to see how it worked, how decisions were made. You get exposure like no other at Asda - I was involved in big and impactful projects from day one. If you want an exciting job that changes daily, that is fast paced and gives you the exposure that you won’t get anywhere else, Asda is the place to do it.

How much responsibility were you given?

My first big project came with massive responsibility. My brief was to develop the pet care strategy online. I wasn’t just responsible for what the range looked like but for the sales it generated. So I had to develop a strategy that was right for the business and right for customers. I was helping them to save money by offering lower prices for all of their pet care needs.

What are you doing now?

After the internship I went back to University for my final year and became an ambassador for Asda on campus. Persuading others to do a placement led me to apply for Asda’s Graduate programme. I even turned down another offer from a competitor to join Asda. I’m now in my first year on the Marketing programme working in the online project management team. I love it.

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