Commercial Manager Review
by Marks & Spencer
This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.
Rating
-
The Role
4.2
-
The Company
4.1
-
The Culture
3.0
- 1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?
- 2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?
- 3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?
- 4. How busy were you on a daily basis?
- 5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?
- 6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
- 7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?
- 8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?
- 9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
- 10. What were the perks on your work placement?
- 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?
- 12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?
- 13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?
- 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?
- 15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?
The Role
I really enjoyed the variety within the Commercial Manager role, however at times, especially during Christmas (as expected in retail) and during the end of the placement it could be really stressful with a lot of responsibility, however I feel I learnt a lot more than if I hadn't had these opportunities.
I really got on with all of the people within M&S, it is hard going into an organisation to be a manager, but people understand that and you gain mutual respect.
Dependant on who was my 'buddy' this often changed, but you always knew if you shouted up you would get some sort of help/support, you just need to know who to ask..usually anyone!
At first, not so, but as the weeks went by, so so bust that you could work 12-14 hour days just to get everything done..but don't worry you get used to it and it's not really all that often!
A lot, you have your own department and your own team and accountabilities, it is quite hard work and stressful but when you look back, extremely rewarding and you have learnt so much.
Taught me how to prioritise, deal with tricky situations, and especially people management. Really motivated me for university final year, as now I know what the real world is like.
The Company
Again, dependant on the situation... great fun sometimes, really hard going on other days!
Pretty well organised, I was lucky enough to be on a region with other trainees and we met up and shared experiences etc. Programme wasn't structured as well as I thought but thats because you're all different and learn in different ways and it takes people different amounts of time to grasp things. Just shout to your line manager for guidance but generally you know where you're heading next in the store and what is expected of you.
A lot of courses, training and buddying . M&S really want you to have the insight into everyhting os you can perform your role to the best standard.
Subsidised Canteen
Financial Bonus
Company Parties/Events
Above 25 days holiday
I have a job with them and am 95% returning!
The Culture
When we organised as a region yes, however I was very close with the trainees in my store so we spent a lot of time together.
Great, all standard and as expected.
When we found time to go out, great.
Not really, a few socials the store teams organised, but generally we entertained ourselves!
Details
Placement (10 Months+)
West Midlands
November 2011
