Industrial Placement Review

Enormously! The year at Aldi was very challenging however I was constantly engaged with new tasks and the ever changing retail environment. I was given fantastic opportunities throughout the year which made the placement very enjoyable.

I was given the responsibility of handling projects and tasks which were used by my colleagues and which they made sure I was thanked for when my work met or exceeded their expectations which made me feel very valued by both my colleagues and the business in general.

Though I did not require support not guidance often, I was given plenty of it when needed and always felt there was someone to speak to if I was struggling with anything about my placement.

Extremely. But Aldi make it clear that you will work hard and on occasion, long hours, but if you know this before you begin the placement then it's not a shock.

More than I could describe in such a short amount of space. I completed tasks and dealt with budgets and stores worth hundreds of thousands of pounds. A daunting but rewarding challenge!

The insight into the retail world I received will help me directly with my final year dissertation and the skills I learnt and improved such as time keeping and organisation will stay with me in all aspects of my life.

I did not spend too much time doing office work however everyone was friendly and helpful, we even had fish and chip Friday's which was an enjoyable end to the working week.

Very, I was given a clear plan for my year before I started the placement and was given plenty of notice of changes that were made to it.

The company invested in my development hugely, and to the extent where I've now been offered a graduate job with them.

As previously mentioned, I have already been asked to return when I graduate and will do so gladly!

I was based in a different area by choice to other placement students however still made time to speak to and socialise with them regularly. There is plenty of opportunity to do this if you wish.

I was often allowed to expense meals and hotels whilst travelling for my placement which made living costs very cheap. Other placement students lived at home whilst working which again was cheap. Similar to university, you can spend as much as you choose on food/accommodation and make savings by living at home etc

There was no nightlife where I lived but this did not bother me.

Though you can work a lot of hours, if you manage your time well you can still get involved in other activities or continue a hobby by fitting it around your work diary.