Retail Management Placement (BPP) 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
-
The Role
4.3
-
The Company
3.8
-
The Culture
3.1
- 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
The more I learnt and the more responsibility I was given the more I enjoyed it. You really need to take control over your own development!
Towards the end of each module or the placement overall you get far more responsibility and ownership which really makes you feel a valued member of the team but in general stores do value the grads.
There's established support as part of your programme but in general you'll find more support and guidance from the people you are in store with. My experience was that everyone was more than willing to help you if you asked.
Moving between modules meant that you could go from experienced with responsibility to being new to everything again. Sometimes this meant you went from having your own work to shadowing others but overall a good balance.
Some aspects were shadowing and learning from others in their role, other times I had certain jobs to complete and at the best times I had responsibility for 2 business units as well as staff engagement sessions.
I think the skills I've developed have made me far more focused in my degree. It's also made me much more willing to tackle a problem before it arises by being in contact with tutors and course directors.
The Company
You can feel the tension when the pressures on, but being involved in it is quite exciting! Generally everyone can have a laugh whilst getting their work done.
The structure of the scheme is a great idea and a great start for you to work from. Sometimes you can loose track of what your next step is though and I'd encourage anyone going into a placement/grad job to take control. Keep in touch with whoever's co-coordinating your programme. Let mentors and store managers know what/where you're planning to go and ask if you feel like you've not got a next step!!
I had multiple training days and courses out of store, I had the time and attention of many of the team in store.
Subsidised Canteen
Financial Bonus
Staff Sales/Staff Shop
Offered a job before I left my placement!
The Culture
work related but outside of work - yes! Charity bike-rides, beach cleans, fashion shows...
Details
Placement (10 Months+)
Business Management, Fashion Design, Retail
North West
October 2013
