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

4.6/5
  • The Role
    4.6
  • The Company
    4.4
  • The Culture
    4.8

    The Role

  • 1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?

    • I thoroughly enjoyed my year at M&S. I had two brilliant mentors who guided me through every aspect of the job. I was given charge of my own departments/areas and relished the chance to take responsibility.

    5/5
  • 2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?

    • I became very close to all my work colleagues, we would often socialise out of work and I felt I could voice any concerns/worries to any of them.

    5/5
  • 3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?

    • My mentors who dealt directly with me were very supportive and guiding, however more senior management, i.e. my store manager, did not particularly get involved with my development.

    5/5
  • 4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

    • Once given charge of my own areas I was always busy but never felt like too much pressure was put upon me. At any time I could ask for help and receive it.

    5/5
  • 5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?

    • Particularly on days where my line manager was off, I had to be responsible for entire areas, such as the whole of womenswear for example. This was brilliant and these were the times I learnt the most.

    4/5
  • 6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?

    • I am a completely different person now, especially in terms of confidence. By the end of my placement I was putting valued opinions to the team and gaining a response whereas at the beginning I had found it a struggle to put my views across as the team was so experience. Also, the people skills I have developed are invaluable.

    5/5

    The Company

  • 7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

    • Sometimes it felt management were overly competitive amongst one another but this was never aimed at me or any of the other trainees. Apart from that there was generally a light and fun atmosphere.

    4/5
  • 8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?

    • On a day to day I knew exactly where I was in the placement. However, sometimes the region you are involved in will spring upon you last minute courses etc and that's where organisation loses marks.

    4/5
  • 9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?

    • This particularly came from my line managers. But also the regional team were very keen to see my develop as they one day see me as part of their future team.

    5/5
  • 10. What were the perks on your work placement?

    • Subsidised Canteen

    Financial Bonus

    Company Parties/Events

    Staff Sales/Staff Shop

    Above 25 days holiday

    Healthcare/Dental
    5/5
  • 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?

    • I have been offered a job as a commercial manager but there are also a lot of ways into head office.

    5/5

    The Culture

  • 12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?

    • Yes, we all endeavoured to get together after courses etc

    5/5
  • 13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?

    • I lived at home

    5/5
  • 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?

    • I worked very close to my house and therefore wasn't new to the nightlife.

    5/5
  • 15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?

    • M&S have a paid charity day you can take and lots of things going on outside the business.

    5/5
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Details

Placement (10 Months+)

South West

August 2012

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