Business Selling Management Trainee Review

- I have enjoyed being able to gain an insight into the retail environment through practical on the job learning. - Throughout the programme I have been able to work with a number of teams and learn from them and their experiences. - This year has provided me with the opportunity to reflect upon my career aspirations and what I need to do in order to achieve them. - It has been challenging at times, especially as I had no previous retail experience so was required to learn everything from the basics. - I did not know what to expect from the programme but overall I believe I have achieved what I set out to when considering the placement between the assessment centre and my start date. - I am now seriously considering returning to M&S after Graduation to start my career as a Commercial Manager.

- At times I felt as though I did not add value to the team as I did not have an opportunity to offer and/or implement ideas. This is something I struggled with especially in the early stages of my placement as people were still getting to know me and what I could bring to the team. - In the second half of my placement I felt very much part of the Commercial Management team in my new store and was actively encouraged to offer my opinions and suggestions in meetings and to support the daily operations. - Some teams I worked with have seen many trainees in their time with M&S, therefore it was difficult at times to differentiate from other trainees both past and present, showing what I could personally bring to the team. - On the whole, more so in my second attachment I felt supported in my training as the teams would share knowledge with me to help me learn and develop in my role. In my first attachment it was more difficult to have time with the teams to aid this development and therefore I felt I was at times on my own looking for information. - In my time covering holidays for both Commercial and Section Managers I felt that the teams were very respectful of my role and helped me to do the best job I could as a trainee in this situation which I found extremely helpful and made me feel valued by the teams.

- In my first attachment my Module Manager was also my Line Manager, therefore she was my main point of contact. We regularly linked in to discuss my development and which areas to focus on next. I was able to build a good relationship with her from the start but I felt that sometimes I did not have clear direction which I found difficult. In order to overcome this we would sit down to discuss a number of tasks which would be my focus for that week for example and we would review my experience regularly to determine what else I needed to do during my attachment. My Manager was not as supportive as I would have expected in terms of my University commitments such as my workshop days at University within which I would receive guidance on my assignments and time with my tutors to discuss my progress and any feedback they had on my work to date. I had to explain how these days would add value to my placement, in context there were 4 days across the full 12 months and the information and advice I gained on these days from not just the University staff but also the other students on placement at various businesses helped me with my assignments and considerations for my final year. Therefore I would hope that future BPPs could have a better link between their University and M&S in the initial stages to ensure clear communication of the commitments students can expect. - In my second attachment I had a Line Manager and a Module Manager, this was great especially when my Module Manager was on a day off or away on holiday as I was able to gain support as required. The support from my Module Manager was excellent, he set clear direction and guided me through my time while also enabling me to test my skills and knowledge at various points during my attachment by offering opportunities to cover Section Manager holiday relief. The Store Manager in my second store also made a lot of time for me and her support made me feel part of her Commercial Team, aided by the openness and helpful nature of the Commercial Team who supported me throughout my programme. - Initially I felt I would have liked greater support from the Regional Graduate links, especially as I was unaware of the support I may need and how I should link in with them during my placement. To some extent this communication improved when I moved to my second store and I was able to regularly update them on my progress and how I was feeling, but more clarity from the start would have helped me to understand their expectations.

- The rhythm and routine for each store varies but generally the working week is shaped the same way across the business. Once I understood this and what was to be completed each day I felt that I was able to start to get involved in the day to day running of the store. My activities would vary by day but generally I would be responsible for ensuring the operation was running effectively and efficiently, while maximising opportunities for sales and great customer service. - Some days/weeks I felt I had stretching but achievable targets which would enable me to learn a wide range of skills and gain an understanding into the business, while testing my ability to manage my time and prioritise tasks. However I often found that my 'to do list' was unachievable in the standard working hours so I would stay extra hours to ensure the work was completed. I was happy to do this however when it became a regular occurrence I found it difficult to dedicate the level of time required outside of work to achieve my objectives for my University studies. On the other hand, despite only being a rare occurrence, as a trainee I sometimes found myself looking for more to do and challenges which would test my development. This sometimes happened around the middle of my attachments when I had learned the basics but was not yet ready to be fully accountable. I found this to be demotivating at times as I felt I was not adding as much value to the team as I would have liked to at this stage.

Initially in each attachment I took time to learn the basics of the roles and the departments and worked through from advisor towards the Commercial Manager level. In my first attachment I managed the Gift Shop in the build up to Christmas, lead the service and tilling operation in the Food Hall as part of a small team, managed the Customer Service Desk throughout the first stage of the December sale and lead night shifts across Clothing and Home. During the day I would ensure that the sales floor operation ran smoothly by coordinating the teams to ensure tasks were completed in a timely manner. Then on days where the Section and Commercial Managers across my departments were off I stepped up to their roles and linked in with the Section Coordinators to ensure that everything was operating as it should. In my second half of my placement I covered Section Manager holiday on the Food Hall looking after cold chain departments for the first week, then Ambient Celebration in the Easter week driving sales and stock clearance. In the absence of the Foods Commercial Manager I would step up into his role and link in with the store teams to ensure I communicated our priorities. I spent 2 weeks on Womenswear acting as Commercial Manager while they covered the Store Manager's holiday. Then I covered 2 weeks of Hospitality Commercial Manager relief where I was accountable for the running of 2 coffee shops and Deli and In-Store Bakery with the Section Manager and Coordinator teams.

- I feel more confident as a result of my time on placement both in my own abilities and my decision making. - I have been able to work with a vast range of people throughout my time on placement and have been able to shape my management style around the best attributes I have seen in the Managers I have worked with. - I feel extremely motivated and determined with regard to my final year of studies and will do everything I can to achieve a First Class degree. - I have gained a valuable insight into the retailing environment and with this enhanced my commercial awareness. - The people I have worked with have been able to provide feedback throughout my placement which I continue to reflect upon and make improvements to drive my continuous development. - 12 months in industry has enabled me to begin to think about my career aspirations and how I will shape these in the near future. - I have achieved what I set out to do in my placement and as a result of the skills I have demonstrated this year I have been offered the chance to come back after Graduation to commence my training as a BPP Returner, hence I have made the first step in becoming a Commercial Manager within M&S.

- High Expectations: Communicated from the Store Manager, presentation, behaviours and the operations all were to be executed to a high standard. - Customer First Approach: Putting the customer at the heart of each decision made. - Commercial: Looking for opportunities to drive sales and increase the revenue for the store through continuous engagement with customers, competitors and the teams. - Acting With Pace: Acting efficiently to complete all tasks and meet objectives to the appropriate deadlines. Making timely decisions and being time effective. - Team Spirit: Generally working together to achieve the objectives set by the Store Manager, taking the whole store with them through communication of ideas and success.

The structure of the placement in the book is clear, however not practical due to individual differences in people's programmes, experiences, training needs and career aspirations. The main modules which BPPs complete are Clothing and Home and Foods which take up the majority of the time on the programme. I believe better communication between the BPPs and those responsible for shaping the programmes (including Regional Graduate support teams) could enable students to get the most from each of their attachments. One focus in particular could be around holidays as I was reluctant to book holiday around the times which I expected to move to a new store or different attachment, but the last minute approach to disclosing when moves may happen made it difficult to request time off in advance. The lack of structure at the beginning of the placement made it hard to adjust to my role, this would have been avoided had we been able to have the 2 week induction period as outlined in the proposed placement schedule. Communication between the Regional Graduate Support links and my store teams at times was poor, often Milestone or visit days were arranged with little warning given which made it difficult to arrange with my Managers to attend them due to activity I was involved in in-store. The placement's flexibility is good in some ways as it allows students to drive their own development but I do not feel that the additional attachments (VM for example) should be advertised as much as it is not guaranteed that students will have time to complete all attachments. I enjoyed the attachment day before starting my placement as it enabled me to get a feel for what the year ahead may be like and I am pleased that we are able to support the next intake in the same way.

- On the job training - Training courses: Providing information on specific aspects of the role, enabling knowledge to be gained in a learning environment. - Milestone Days: Checkpoints throughout the year to measure progress and celebrate success. Often located at points of interest and this year have included; Michael Marks Building Leeds, Distribution Centre Bradford, GIST Logistics Barnsley. - Supporting Materials: Online resources such as podcasts, learning records and policies to aid the learning and development. - Opportunity to train as a Manager: Working throughout the year to be equipped with the skills and knowledge to become a Commercial Manager.

I have been invited back as a BPP Returner which means I will commence another training programme after graduating before then being signed off and appointed as a Commercial Manager. This is dependent on the vacancies available on the Region and Nationally, therefore I will be expected to be mobile and flexible when I return after completing my initial training in my store where finished my placement year. During my final year of university I aim to work part time with M&S to maintain a link with the business and its operation in order to prepare me for my return as a trainee.

There was an opportunity to meet other students at training days and Milestone events throughout the year. This allowed me to share my experiences with students from a number of regions. We set up social media group chats to stay in touch throughout the year and would contact and/or visit each other in store occasionally to keep up to date with our progress. I worked with another student in both of my stores despite being on different training programmes to them. We have socialised outside of work on a few occasions but often keep in touch via social media.

There are plenty of shopping facilities to enable shopping in number of stores ranging from budget stores to more expensive and luxury offerings, catering for every need. As a BPP I have the benefit of my student discount card which is widely accepted across the region offering discounts which help to maintain a budget. The social offering is great and has something for everyone from cinemas, theatres, beaches, countryside, restaurants, bars, clubs and even ice skating in the winter! Many of which offer discounts for employees if in the same town/shopping centre.

Due to a number of colleges and universities being located near by the nightlife is very popular with students as there is something for everyone. Student nights offer a cheaper way to enjoy a night out with friends, often with drinks and entry promotions to assist those on a budget. Many of the bars and restaurants stay open late too which means for those looking for a quieter evening there is plenty of choice to cover any taste. Regular music events across the region are also a firm favourite.

Linking in with work the main opportunity to get involved in activities outside of your shift would be charity related. Store charities are supported for a year and the teams are tasked with raising as much money as possible in that period of time. So far teams have engaged in bike rides, bag packs and zip wires in order to fundraise as much money as possible. Store parties around Christmas and Easter are also an option but vary depending on your store. Many BPPs build relationships with their teams so socialise outside of work whether it be for birthdays or retirements!