Buyers Administrator Womens Premium Brands Accessories & Jewellery Review

My intern placement at ASOS was more than I could have expected and hoped it to be. ASOS is a fast evolving business and its exciting fast paced environment reflects this. No two days are the same; with new challenges, opportunities and tasks keeping you constantly motivated and developing your professional and personal skills. Not only did I gain a thorough learning of what the role as a BAA entails, but I was genuinely made to feel a part of the team, undertaking work that was valuable for the business whilst having lots of fun and making friends at the same time!

I never expected to be so welcomed into my team. As an intern you can worry that’s all you will be seen as, but at ASOS you are accepted equally as a part just like everyone else. On a wider company scale there is also a great effort made to communicate to all members and get everyone together. I have honestly come away from this placement with great friends and great contacts.

There is a real sense of support at ASOS. Working as a team was at the heart of the department I was on. The roles across both the Buying and Merchandising side are so interlinked that everything you are doing is contributing and supporting someone else. In addition I had monthly catch ups and reviews with my line manager which really helped me to improve and develop in my role during my time on the placement. As part of the placement programme the HR team are actively involved in the experience; running monthly tea & croissant or doughnut mornings where all the interns would get together to learn new development tools or take part in Q&A's with those from other areas of the business. A Mentor programme is also in place so that from day one you have someone from inside the business who you can go to; whether you have questions that you feel to nervous to ask your team in those first few days or simply to have friendly natter with.

No two days were the same; with new challenges, opportunities and tasks keeping you constantly motivated and developing you professional and personal skills. The nature of the role is fast-paced, but I never found myself over-worked, instead I feel I was given and guided through the right amount of work to achieve the best from myself and the role.

I was given the exact same responsibility that any other Buyers Admin Assistant within the company had; I wasn't seen differently just because, I was an intern. Naturally whilst learning the ropes your team members are there to teach you the first steps, but once fully confident I was allowed and encouraged to take ownership of my responsiblities. I was also given my own small projects to work towards and complete which were great opportunities to learn new things and prove my capabilities. To know that I played a part is wonderful and I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to experience this.

The skills I learnt from my placement year were invaluable and gave me great exposure to the real life workings of the fashion industry. Not only has it supported my University Degree, but it has enhanced it by providing me with valuable hands-on learning that I would not have been able to gain from a classroom environment.

ASOS is a fast evolving business and its exciting fast paced environment reflects this. The open office style encourages the great atmosphere of team work that there is within the company and there is a real sense that everyone is working together towards the same aims and goals. It’s not all hard work with no play; there are plenty of office giggles with a good old team night thrown in every now and again to keep up morale!

From day one the internship was really well organised making you feel really welcome and valued. On the first day there you're greeted with a full day induction activities to settle you in and to start getting to know the business and faces. You are also provided with a welcome pack that is yours to keep and full of useful information for you to refer to throughout the year as well as some where you can store your notes. As mentioned before you're also assigned a Mentor right from the beginning who's also there to make those first few weeks as comfortable as possible. From the second day onwards it's all about getting stuck in with the department and team that you are allocated to and a desk, computer and all the essentials are all ready there set up and waiting for you to beginning so there's no worrying about finding a chair! Every month the HR team held Tea, Croissant & Doughnuts Morning especially for the interns where a mixture of development tools were taught to enable us to get the best out of our experience as well as informal Q&A's from people with all over the business including the 'big bosses' themselves. Each month your line managers are encouraged to hold a review to highlight achievements and development areas to optimise you internship experience. I really do believe that the ASOS intern placement year is one of the most thought and planned out in comparison to similar placements within the industry making you feel assured every step of the way.

For an internship the level of training you receive is high. I worked very closely with my BA who trained me on all the responsibilities and tasks that you are a required to do as a BAA meaning that by the time I left I was fully capable within the role. The monthly reviews I had with my line manager helped me to reflect on my progress and set out future development areas. Whilst I was there I also took part in training sessions such as on the computer systems used and BA workshops and forums.

Since leaving I have kept in contact with my team and HR.

Joining as part of an intern scheme means there is already a great social aspect in place ready for you and the other interns when you begin. There are lots of opportunities to grab lunches with colleagues, attend social events put on by ASOS, join one of their sports teams/clubs or have some after work drinks on a Friday!

Costs are usual London costs, there are plenty of socialising options for all budgets!

ASOS is based right by one of London's best known nightlife spots; Camden. There is something there for everyone; restaurants, bars, diners, pubs, clubs, gigs, cinema, comedy and much much more.

There are lots of activities that you can get involved in outside of work at ASOS. I was part of the ASOS netball team during my placement and there was also a running club & football team! It was great way to meet new people from all over the business.