Buyer's Assistant Review

I thoroughly enjoyed my placement year at Asos. it was an incredible opportunity to learn about the fast paced industry from a company that is leading the forefront. The offices were great and there were a lot of benefits and perks that make the year even more enjoyable.

obviously it depends on the individuals you are placed with but i loved both teams that i was placed with. there is a great focus on the "team" and working for your department, it's good because you are able to build relationships with others that you aren't directly working with. Unfortunately i felt that some members of staff didn't value who did the work, just as long as it was done. Understandably it is very fast paced and there are often thank-less tasks but you are all working with one goal in mind, success for the company as a whole.

There is a great support network set up by the people team that provides you with a buddy and a manager. I didn't have too much to do with my buddy but your line manager is the one who sees your development on a daily basis and often will help you out with anything you need. Sometimes the managers lack the time to spend with you as much as you truly need but it's because they are so busy themselves, it's not a personal thing.

Busy doesn't do it justice, you get set numerous tasks to be completed by the next day and it is up to you how long it takes you to get it done, just make sure that it is. I can honestly say there was never a time that I sat at my computer on facebook, other than maybe in a 10 minute lunch break. There is always something to do, if not set specifically by your manager, there will always be organising tasks to complete.

You are given a lot of responsibility at asos, especially as a buyer's assistant, the buck stops at you. I was taken to brand appointments, put in charge of sample and critical path management, as well as presenting to the management team your department big deals.

I cannot value my time at Asos enough, it gave me invaluable experience that since i've come back to my final year of studies, has put me so much further ahead than students who didn't go on placement. It teaches you skills that can be used in the industry as well as organisation skills that you can apply to your uni work.

There was often a great atmosphere in the office, the majority of the people there are fairly young and there is always discussion and laughter going on. Most people that work there are like minded due to their interest in fashion and trends. There is friday beers once a month that allows all workers to mingle and have free drinks!

The placement was very well organised, with a clear structure to the application process as well as placement training programmes whilst you are there. Yes some training courses did get cancelled but for me personally, there was more to be learnt doing day to day activites than specific long training courses.

The company paid for numerous outside people to come in and give training sessions on people skills, negotiation skills and other things that you need to help you progress. the company paid for these resources as well as offering catering at the specific events.

Depending on how well you work, there is definitely opportunities to return to the company. the key is to show willing, perform your duties and beyond, and get on well with your coworkers.

luckily all of the placement students in my year all got along well, we often went for drinks and lunches to discuss what we were going through together. there was the culture of going to the pub with your team every friday which was a great way to get to know everyone.

the cost of living in camden and london is very expensive. the company have a subsidised canteen which offered great food but the rest of the area was quite pricey. there is a sainsburys opposite where you could get a cheap lunch.

Camden has a great selection of bars, clubs and restaurants. there is a variety of places from heavy metal bars to swanky dining in the locks.

There were sports teams such as netball and football you could join. As well as this there were charity trips and other organised activities you could take part in.