This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.
Rating
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The Role
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The Company
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The Culture
- 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 felt that my placement really lived up to its description. It challenged my management skills in many ways and allowed me to develop considerably giving me valuable experience needed to suceed in working life.
The management team have been a great support to me. They have given me great advice and answered any questions I have had in the past year I have felt like part of the management team and involved in most activities
I was given a good amount of support my the management team but also given my own time to develop. This for me is key as I have been able to by guided to make the right decisions but then given the opportunity to show myself aswell.
Working in retail is extremely busy, but if I didn't want that kind of working environment then I wouldnt have applied to work in retail. Often I found myself not being able to complete the tasks I would like to but always finished to deadlines set.
I was given the right amount of responsibility which grew as the year progessed (along with my management skills) during management holidays I was given the opportunity to do relief work for them to give me an incite as to what I will be doing when I return.
I have really enjoyed my placement and feel that it will give me the experience I need to help me complete my degree to a very high standard.
The Company
Very friendly and fun environment.
The courses we had to attend were set up for us and so this was very helpful. Often my schedule in work would change at the last minute but that was mainly to do with the movement of the management team and couldn't be helped. I think that some of the management team could have been made more aware of the role I was there to play and how a BPP is different to a graduate student. (In terms of how much university work I had to do whilst on my placement)
Very much so I was allowed to go on all of the training schemes that I needed to which helped me to develop greatly.
Subsidised Canteen
Company Parties/Events
Staff Sales/Staff Shop
I have been offered a job whilst I finish my degree at Salford University as a late night section manager, fitting in around my studies. Once I have finished my degree I have been offered a place on the graduate scheme. There are a number of opportunities available within M&S which could lead my career down many routes.
The Culture
We all met up on courses and we would arrange to go out either the night before or after the course. I have made some amazing friends in the other placement students and I have been able to ask for advice for them about aspects of the course.
I was very lucky in the fact that I was able to live at home with my parents during my placement year. I terms of going out into manchester to socialise there are areas for all budgets. If you wants to find cheap areas that is possible but there are also a number of deals available if you just look around.
Very good I knew manachester anyway but working there has given me the opprtunity to go out more and find new areas.
There were occassional events organised within work, however I did go out with other graduates from different stores more.
Details
Placement (10 Months+)
Business Management
West Midlands
September 2009