Retail Management Placement Review

Placement at Aldi involved 7 months in store working over the busy fast pace Christmas period in one of the top 4 supermarkets in the U.K. I worked up to Assistant Store Manager level and also ran shifts. 5 weeks over the year shadowing Area Managers getting an insight into their important role and a potential career. For the final 5 months I am in head office working on a variety of projects.

During store time I developed my team leadership skills, managing experienced teams with individuals who have worked at Aldi for over 20 years. Also during store time my time management and communication skills were put to the test in many ways and improved during my store experience. At head office I have had to present my project to directors and this has improved my presenting skills and confidence for future presentation. My computer skills have also improved during project work, especially Excel and Powerpoint.

From day one of placement responsibility was a key thing that Aldi gave me, this ranged from being a safe key holder and locking and opening up stores as the only manager in at that time. Responsibility of placing orders for a very busy store, running shifts, dealing with issues and resolving personnel issues. During projects briefs were set and then I had to go and contact area managers who were experts for advice and guidance, projects are extremely self driven and was based on personal work ethic to create a successful project to present to directors during a set time period.

During store the help and guidance from the individual store managers was amazing, each and every one that I worked under set time to discuss goals and future action plans for my development in their store. Weeks with my area manger were extremely insightful into a potential future carrier with Aldi, the guidance I received off him couldn't have been better. Head office was more individual work however had regular catch ups with the project leader.

During my head office time it was different to what I expected, when I came for my initial interview it was a busy thriving office however, during the time from my interview to office time a few of the departments were nationalised down to the Atherstone headquarters making the office a bit of a ghost town at times. In store was the complete difference spending 50 hour weeks with the same small team created a good working atmosphere where support and guidance was always available.

During my year at Aldi I have thoroughly enjoyed my time, the challenge was fun and I have learnt a great deal, the people were very helpful when times were tough. Just a note for potential applicants this year is tough, long hours, weekends and expect to physically graft in store. You definitely get what you put in to this placement, my line manager was extremely helpful and putting in the effort with them definitely helps when project time comes round!

Yes

Be prepared this placement is extremely rewarding but at the same time extremely challenging, long hours sometimes at antisocial times, set holidays ( be prepared to miss out on some of your social life.) You may also come across some difficult people to work with and learning on how best to deal with them could potentially be a struggle to people. Don't be afraid to speak up during the placement as a lot of it is self driven.