Trainee Commercial Manager Review

In terms of learning, my experience at M&S was phenomenal, my level of professionalism and my leadership skills have drastically improved. When applying generally for a placement year the concern is you'd be 'the intern', the one who makes coffees and has no real responsibilities, but not at M&S. You are put in a senior position right from the beginning, which at first feels slightly unnatural, but as you get to know your team you develop into the role. I have worked with some amazing people over my time, the only reason I ranked it 8 rather than a 10, is there are some long days, especially in the run up to Christmas.

I really got along with my team, everyone was very welcoming and supported me in my tougher times.

I have been lucky with some amazing supervisors, fortunately, They knew exactly what I needed in order to succeed. My other supervisors have also been wonderful in reassuring me at times when I wasn't feeling confident and being encouraging when I ask questions about the job.

Very busy, at times slightly overwhelming, but it was good to have responsibility as I seen that my actions that I had implemented were having great effects on the team and sales. I would have been extremely bored if I were stuck in a placement role where I was just photocopying and filing, whereas at M&S you are up on your feet constantly.

My role was a Commercial Manager, you would therefore be responsible for a department and make commercial decisions to increase sales. You would therefore have a large team you were responsible for, as you are above Section Managers as well and just below Store Manager. If the Store Manager was out, you would cover the store for them, therefore the responsibility was enormous. You would also have plenty of visitors throughout your placement, you would then walk through your department with them highlighting your exceeding sales whilst being prepared for any challenges they may throw at you. Many of these visitors were from the Board of Directors, so there was a lot of pressure to have a good visit.

The skills I've developed are definitely more life skills, such as dealing with people, difficult situations, customers etc. It's given me a great insight into the working life and what you learn in your degree in real life situations

For the most part, it was a happy place where members of staff had formed good friendships and working relationships which is part of the reason why I felt so welcome at M&S. Given the nature of retail and its stressful periods, there were times when people were stressed and very busy but it didn't take away from my experience as I also saw those times as fun. The management team also made effort to make sure teams took the pressure off of themselves every once in a while.

Different modules to complete throughout the year, with a review and sign off at the end of each. Also given the opportunity to work in a variety of store types, and attend courses throughout the year which helped our development.

I was fully encouraged to undertake as many courses as possible gaining invaluable off the job trainig. In turn, the training and development provided by commercial managers in the store is fantastic. There is an opportunity to learn whatever you want. However what is clear is that your development is driven by you - not the management team. If you don't put yourself forward then you will not be exposed to the full level of opportunity.

It was made very clear from the start that there is potential to be offered a job at the end. Now been asked to return to the business as a Graduate commercial manager.

Unfortunately there was no other graduates however there many social events and occasions among other management members

I relocated for my placement and I found it very expensive and wasn't able to save for my final year I do feel BPP's relocating should maybe get some sort of financial support to those who are able to stay at home. I found it hard to afford to travel home a lot of the time. I did stay in the city centre to save on travel so I paid more than I could have for rent.

I lived in the city centre so the nightlife was on my doorstep which was great fun when you were off work or could go for a drink on an evening

Lots of charity events but nothing really social on a regular basis.