Retail Assistant Review

I found my time at the Co-Operative slightly tiring and boresome. The continuous inputting of data into the system meant that days, and even weeks, became extremely repetitive. However, I must admit that the staff were very friendly and made my time there enjoyable--in social terms.

I felt welcomed by my colleagues, but I wouldn't say they considered me to be of any substant value. Many lunches were spent nattering and laughing, yet throughout the remaining working hours I was required to do mind-numbingly tedious computer work that I felt was palmed onto me purely because I was the least experienced member of the team.

If ever I needed help or assistance I could always turn to my manager, yet the work I was asked to do was pretty straightforward and didn't require me to ask many questions. On the other hand, however, when I was transferred to the 'buying' department of the company, I was instructed as to what specific qualities I was looking for within the products to be reviewed. This guidance helped settle me and lead to me particularly enjoying my time spent in this department on my placement.

I was incredibly bored by the work, however there was always more data ready to be input into the system so I was continually busy. Although, at times it felt a little overbearing, I definitely preferred having work to do rather than sitting around daydreaming the working hours away. In a way, I think the time went faster despite the work being tediously boring.

The only times I felt like I was valued and had true responsibility was when I transferred for a few days to another department. The majority of my working hours were spent feeling slightly worthless--I was ordered to remain at my work desk all hours, lunch permitted, and had to be given permission to visit the toilets or grab some light refreshments. Although, I guess the expectations for me to input the correct data and note the important discussions during staff meeting meant that I had small amounts of responsibility throughout my placement.

My course centres on the running of a business and aims to train its students how to successfully take the helm of an organisation. In this regard, my year spent at one of the United Kingdom's most well-established and influential enterprises definitely helped me to understand the inner-runnings of a large business. In addition, my time spent at such a prestigious company will look good on my CV. However, with regard to the actual data-forefronted nature of the work I undertook, I wouldn't rate my time spent at the Co-Operative as being essential to all business under-graduates.

During the half hour designated for lunch, the office was an incredibly good-natured and lively place to be. Colleagues interacted with others and there was humorous banter among all the staff. However, once the clock struck one o'clock, gloom set in and the place turned serious and quiet. It could be argued that this is productive for the company, but--for a teen student on placement--this was very spiritually disillusioning.

I went for three interviews at other Manchester-based business before I was offered a placement at the Co-Operative. Infact, it was extremely late summer when I was offered my internship, and I was already of the belief that I wasn't able to do a work placement and would be best transferring to another course at my university which didn't require a work placement year.

I was asked to review potential new products for the company which I felt showed that the company had an interest in me. However, I only spent a few days of the whole placement doing this and throughout the rest I was doing tedious computer-based labour. Initially I believed that by asking me to input product data into the system and monitor sales of certain products and departments, the company was investing heavily in me by allowing me access to restricted information. However, two months after the start of my employment another intern joined my office and they were immediately entrusted with the same confidential information that I had been. Thus leading me to believe that every work placement student is given this information and required to input data. Additionally, I wasn't given any formal training by the company throughout my eleven month placement.

For such a large company there was surprisingly low potential for future employment. Neither me nor the other intern in my office held discussions with our manager regarding upcoming vacancies at the Co-Operative. After my last working day, I was thanked by my colleagues and wished well in my future endeavours--wherever they may be.

As a result of the company's location--in the heart of Manchester City Centre, near the Printworks--there was a great social scene among the placement students. I made tremendous friends with the other intern in my office and we regularly enjoyed nights out at the local clubs and bars. Furthermore, there are numerous restaurants within close proximity and I joined many of my colleagues in going for lunch at one of the restaurants every week--usually Thursdays. The huge number of 'All You Can Eat' restaurants meant that lunch was quick, filling, and--most importantly, great socially.

The area of Manchester that I worked in did not primarily cater for students, so the prices of bars, clubs, and restaurants was quite expensive. There was always lots of options, but even with a full time income it was impossible to do more than three socialising activites a week. Likewise, property prices and rents were equally high.

There was always something to do--whether it was a foam party at Pure nightclub, latino night at Tiger Tiger, or a cabaret show at the Birdcage. The Northern Quarter of Manchester is designed for the immense nightlife. Furthermore, if you don't like clubbing, there's a cinema and bowling complex within walking distance. I spent many nights at the cinema; and it is possible to have a good night out without touching a drop of alcohol.

My office did numerous activites together outside of work. Weekly, we went for glorious meals. Regularly, we held barbeques at each others private houses. Occasionally, we even campaigned for animal rights together. On one special day, me and four of my colleagues ran the Race for Life. The staff at the Co-Operative were very friendly and inviting outside of work hours--just not when consumed in their work.