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 was given lots of opportunities to find out as much as possible about the role I was interested in, as well as other roles, and the company
I felt very much part of the team I was working in and felt comfortable sharing my ideas with them and asking for advice.
There was a team of graduate scheme leads who I could meet with regularly to discuss my progress.
I had to take responsibility and manage my own time, so at the beginning of the placement, when I was still learning, I didn't have much work of my own to do. My days were much busier later on in the placement when I was more confident in what I was doing.
Everyone was very happy for me to come up with my own ideas and manage my own projects, although I was working on a large project as well.
My placement really helped with my confidence and presentation skills, as well as analysis and finance/sales understanding.
The Company
I loved the atmosphere, there was always so much going on and I always felt included.
There was a team of graduate scheme leaders who I met with to discuss my placement, and an HR team gave me loads of information about the placement and support beforehand and throughout my time there.
I attended a number of training classes and workshops and was trained in 2 of the company's IT systems. I was also given the opportunity to present at sales meetings.
Subsidised Canteen
Subsidised/Company Gym
National Travel
Financial Bonus
Company Parties/Events
Staff Sales/Staff Shop
I had to give a presentation on my development and take part in a role-play assessment at the end of my presentation, and was then offered a place on their graduate scheme the next day!
The Culture
I went out for drinks quite a few times with colleagues (including placement students, graduates and other colleagues) and also took part in an office "fun day"
Socialising was more expensive than I was used to, but Sainsbury's offered subsidised accommodation.
There were lots of bars, restaurants and clubs nearby.
I was invited to after work drinks on a number of occasions.
Details
Internship (1 Month+)
Retail
London
December 2009