Commercial Manager Trainee Review
by Marks & Spencer
This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.
Rating
-
The Role
4.1
-
The Company
4.1
-
The Culture
2.8
- 1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?
- 2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?
- 3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?
- 4. How busy were you on a daily basis?
- 5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?
- 6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
- 7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?
- 8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?
- 9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
- 10. What were the perks on your work placement?
- 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?
- 12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?
- 13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?
- 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?
- 15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?
The Role
I found it challenging at times, but it was a valuable experience.
Initially many people saw me as a 'placement student' rather than a real manager, but this changed as I developed throughout the year.
Regular meetings and feedback. Could always ask for help.
Some days where I didn't have much to do, but most days I had a lot to achieve.
Given the chance to run departments and even whole stores.
Means I am qualified for management employment when I graduate.
The Company
Was generally good and people got on very well. Could sometimes be tense with clashing personalities. Working across the store means you get to work with a lot of different people so generally find people to get on with. Some days can be more stressful than others which can change the atmosphere. M&S is very big on employee engagement which can help bring a better atmosphere.
At first it was slightly disorganised and they were unsure of what we should be doing. However they soon came up with a schedule and helped organise attachments. We also had graduate meet ups with the other placement students where we could get together and discuss how it was going. They also gave us sign off books with set goals to achieve, which was helpful.
M&S is a really good company in terms of personal development. Throughout the year we could attend workshops about different topics. There was also e-learning and development guides and resources to help. They spent a lot of time arranging feedback sessions to review personal development and see where I needed to improve.
Subsidised Canteen
Company Parties/Events
Staff Sales/Staff Shop
I will hopefully be offered a job when I graduate, so can return to the business at management level. There is also the possibility of moving into different roles. There are lots of different jobs both in store and at head office, and having worked in store for a year is a great way into these.
The Culture
We occasionally went for meals as a commercial management team and we also had a store christmas party. We were given chances to meet other placement students across the regions, but it was up to us how much we socialised. I personally arranged a lot of social events and nights out, but many people chose to opt out.
Relatively cheap, as I was based outside of london. I rented a two bedroom flat with another placement student for £700 per month (for both), although not in the nicest area.
Was in a city so nightlife was quite good, although could be repetitive. There were a lot of bars and clubs, although many of them were quite expensive.
Not from the business - had to be off your own back.
Details
Placement (10 Months+)
Business Management
South East
July 2016
