General Management Industrial Placement Review

On a daily basis I was required to run the shop floor during my store time, this included a high level of people management. As an assistant store manager, I was required to place orders from the store, organise the rota's, interact with staff members, date check and work stock on the shop floor as part of a team. Within my project roles, I have had an abundance of communication with multiple stakeholders, from internal property departments to external companies. As well as this, a high amount of face-to-face contact with directors, through informal conversations as well as more formal presentations.

I have developed a wide range of skills within the year. I think resilience is the key skill I have developed, through working 50 hours a week, with shifts starting as early as 4am and late shifts ending at 11pm. As well as this, communication is a key skill I have developed, through streamlining feedback to store teams, through to communication to directors. Industry specific, with supermarket retail, I have developed efficiency and the ability to work to deadlines, both in store time and project work.

Personally, I do not feel I could've been given any more responsibility during my placement year. From the outset, I was given the job role of 'Assistant Store Manager', and given the ability to fulfil this role. I was involved in running a team of around 20 people on a shift, allowing me real responsibility. As well as smaller tasks, such as locking the whole store and banking, which are huge roles that have a real business impact. I was allowed to work both independently, with an area of responsibility being inventory in stores and as a team, with my colleagues in store.

At the outset of my placement, I was assigned a mentor who would be with me for the whole year. I believe that this is essential for any placement student at Aldi, having an Area Manager to guide them through the year. My mentor was also involved in the placement scheme a number of years ago, so this was very useful for my insight and support. As well as this, she has ensured that I am both performing well in my placement role, but supporting me personally as well, which I have appreciated and needed during the year.

The company culture and atmosphere is something that we have had an opportunity to be involved in from the outset as placement students. Attending quarterly team meetings (Area Manager Meetings) and well as ensuring that we are involved in both Summer and Winter events to enable us to feel part of the team. Store openings have allowed us to network with colleagues in the Operations department as well as Property, Health and Safety etc. We had the opportunity to organise a charity run for Teenage Cancer Trust on two occasions, to allow us to see another aspect of the business and get as much involvement. The general atmosphere is that the Area Managers work extremely long hours, but this is normal and part of the company culture.

I have enjoyed my placement year, it has not been without challenges but I feel like it has been great for my character development both professionally and personally. The teams I have worked with have been extremely receptive to me as a manager, despite my lack of experience within the role. They are aware of the placement year process and able to and willing to support as best as they can in any situation. The volume of work exceeded my expectations, as 50 hours a week is a lot longer than anticipated, however, it has build resilience and I feel in a great position to take everything I have learnt into my future career.

Yes

I would advice applicants that it is not a job that will enable you to relax, working 50 hours a week in a physical role, with shifts beginning at 5am for the first 7 months of the placement. I think you get out what you put in and as long as you get store teams on side and embrace every opportunity you will be in a great position to succeed. The interview process will include a group interview, so getting across that you are approachable and passionate, whilst willing to work hard is essential.