Finance Placement Review

I really enjoyed working the chance to work in a large company and experience what working life is like. The company put a lot into their employees and personal development which I found very helpful. My team were very welcoming and wanted me to achieve my best. It was a very valuable experience.

My work was valued and useful to the team. I never felt I was given lesser work just because I was a placement. I was needed by the team as they are very busy and have a lot of work to do. I feel I was given a lot of responsibility for someone my age and in my position.

I was really supported throughout my time at TJX. The company is very people focused and so puts a lot of time into its placements and graduates. The managers make a lot of time in terms of explaining things to you and giving feedback. However, you can really ask anyone for help, which is not something that would happen in every company.

In my role there is always something to do. Being in Finance, you are particularly busy in the first couple of weeks of the month with tasks such as month end and forecast, however later in the month your less busy with monthly tasks and so have more time to do ad hoc analysis.

The more I progressed both personally and in my work and understanding, the more responsibility I was given. At the start the managers are much more hands on as you need that, however, as you progress you start to do processes by yourself and they encourage you to be more independent when they feel the time is right.

In terms of developing as a person and my skills set, the placement has been so helpful. Software such as Excel you will master by the end of your year there. They provide training on this software as well as others. You develop greater communication skills as you are working with different types of people. As a person you grow a lot, you learn how to deal with all types of situations and how to improve on yourself.

The atmosphere is informal and friendly. Communication is key at TJX and so you will get used to casually going to ask people questions, calling them up or emailing/messaging them. Everyone is approachable and likes you asking questions. Although everyone works hard, they are also very sociable and are more than happy if you want a quick chat.

There is a whole team who run the placement/grad programme and people in your function who look after the placements/grads also. There are multiple workshops, meet and greets with senior colleagues, socials organised at the start and training. Over time, you will organise meet and greets yourself, which is encouraged. You are also encouraged to meet up with each other either after work or for lunch.

The company spend a lot of time personally and professionally developing you. There are a several training sessions and development workshops are throughout the year. They want you to grow as a person and recognise how you work best. They want to bring the best out in you and help you succeed.

At TJX there is a huge emphasis on culture and whether they think you are the right fit personally for them. For example, you may do a good job but not be the best but because you are a cultural fit they may want to keep you on. Advice would be to be yourself and try your best. After the placement year, they may offer you a position on the grad scheme if they feel you are right for the company.

Yes, the grads/placements often organise nights out or go for drinks after work. The placements and grads tend to get lunch together most days also. It’s really easy to make friends with everyone, especially the other grads and placements as even if you are in different teams you can meet up for lunch, see each other in workshops and go out after work.

Watford is not too expensive but also not cheap. Most things are averagely priced. If you want to go for a nice restaurant meal you can or you can grab something from Sainsbury's.

There is one club but there are mainly bars in Watford. There are lots of Bars/Pubs around the town to go for drinks after work.

Apart from meeting up after work to socialise, there is also a running club, football one night a week and a fantasy football league. However, anyone is welcome to set up a club.