Trainee Commercial Manager Review

I really enjoyed my placement overall. It was great to spend time in all areas of the store and get a great overview of how the business really works. It was hard at times as the store was so big and getting to know people. But overall it was a great experience

I felt very valued. All different colleagues from customer assistants to commercial managers were always there to help and listen and make sure that everything was ok.

I was given a lot of support by my supervisors. Constant on the job training through day to day activity but also regular weekly catchups and feedback sessions. There was also courses to attend and supporting materials which gave a good idea of what was expected

I was usually always busy. There may be quieter days at the start of the week where more office based tasks would be carried out. But leading into the weekends, and special events like Christmas and Sale were very busy and a great experience

I was given a lot of responsibility. Initially I wasn't given much and more given time to learn and develop my skills. But I would be handed full accountability of a section/department and often the entire business unit when necessary

I feel the things I have learned will be a huge benefit. It was great to see the day to day running of such a huge successful business. But I have also greatly developed my communication and management skills, which can be used anywhere

It was generally a great atmosphere. Initially being significantly younger than some of my colleagues I thought this may be difficult, however there was always great laughter and the team was very easy to get a long with. It was also good to be able to serious within the office when appropriate.

It was well organised. There was clear structure set out with the supporting materials and a work book. There was still room to move away from the structure when required to help aid areas where staff was short or to benefit the overall store.

They invested a lot of time. I spent a lot of time with section managers buddying up with them and learning the day to day job in detail. This helped invest in my training and skills. I also spent time with commercial managers and my store manager working more on personal development and how I could improve myself.

Future employment is very appealing at the moment. There was in issue regarding location as I was actually placement 4 hours away from home and this at times was a bit of an issue. So I would definitely consider employment although would be greatly prefer if it was closer to home. But overall I would definitely consider returning and would look forward to being part of a team and been in full control.

Yes. There was regular charity nights out organised by the store which were great fun and a good social scene. There was also a Christmas night out where almost all the store attended. To add to this there was night out for the commercial team, but also for your relevant BU. This was all great. However, as I was the only student there there wasn't much social opportunities from that aspect.

I was based in Glasgow. My rent was quite expensive and had to find somewhere to live which I managed online, as part of a flat share. This was quite expensive/difficult to sort. The cost of socialising in the area was cheap and there was some great places to go.

The nightlife was good, although as I was the only student I didn't go out as much.

There was a few social work events like a 10km run and I would hang out with people from work at team nights out etc