Commercial Manager Review

I thouroughly enjoyed my work placement and it was a great opportunity to learn a lot. I enjoyed my work placement both at work and also the social aspects outside of work. Even though at times the placement was hard there was never a time where I didnt enjoy it.

I felt really valued by all of my colleagues and as soon as I started I felt part of the team. The placement gives you real responsibility and all colleagues value and respect any decisions and opinions made. All of the team from the advisors right up tp the store manager were very welcoming and value you as a colleague.

I had regular catch ups with my line manager and other managers to review how I was doing and was told what my strengths were and also what my weaknesses were and how they would support me to develop my wekanesses and turn them into strengths. Support was available throughout the full year.

Very Busy. There were times when I was extremely busy but then there were also quieter days but even on the quieter days there is always something to do to be kept busy. Christmas was the best time for me as I was always busy and there was something new and exciting to do on pretty much a daily basis.

As mentioned before as soon as I started this placement I was valued and given real repsonsibility for a department alongside another manager however there is always support available if needed. As I gained more experience I got more and more responsibility and the best opportunity I got was to do some relief cover for a commercial manager at another shop in which I was given full responsibilty for a foodhall.

The skills I have developed on my placement year will definately help me with my studies when i go back to university and also with skills when getting a job after I finish my studies. It has not only given me work related skills but I have also learnt a lot of life skills in the year that I have been working here.

The general atmosphere in the office was good and everyone was more than willing to help if you needed anything. There are times when it is very busy and there is a lot to do when people are a bit stressed but on the whole the atmosphere was hardworking but also fun and people try to have a laugh whilst getting the job done.

The work placement is fairly well organised and you are given a guide at the start of the placement which gives you an outline of how the year is going to run however you have to be prepared to be flexible as it is likely that some things can change as the year goes on and you have to make sure that you are getitng the most out your own learning.

M&S fully try to support whatever you want to do and if you show an interest in something they will help you to get more experience inthat field. An example of this is that I showed some interest in the digital side of the business and my store allowed me to go down to London and spend some time in head office with the digital team.

Future prospects are really good with M&S and they will fully help and support you throughout the year to ensure that you are employable. They give you the skills and guidance necessary in order to hopefully get a job with them after the year. Thankfully I was offered a job to come back when I graduate.

Yes, all placement students from across the region met up a few times and we all felt able to ring / text each other if we had any problems or advice. Amongst the store colleagues there is also a good social scene with Christmas parties and occasional nights out or meals.

I lived at home in Leeds with my parents so the cost of living for me was very cheap however working in York I had to pay for transport in every day which was quite expensive. York is also quite an expensive city for socialising in, however it is not too bad and there are always cheaper places to go if you prefer.

The nightlife in York is OK particularly if you just want to go to a few bars after work and in the summer there are plenty of bars on the river which are nice to go for a few drinks. However for weekends and nights out York is quite poor, there are only a few nightclubs and most of them shut quite early compared to clubs in other cities.

Yes, throughout the year there were a few opportunites to get involved in activities outside of work such as charity days, team days and there are also football teams and running clubs which you get get invovled with if you want to. I got involved wiht a few of these and I enjoyed my charity day whihc bI spent helping out at a 10K run.