M&S BPP Business Selling Student 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
4.6
-
The Company
4.4
-
The Culture
3.9
- 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 really enjoyed my year with M&S. It was a real eye opener into both the world of Retail and the world of full time work. It has given me so much experience that will help me once I complete university.
Everybody is so welcoming. I moved between three stores and all three regularly check how I am doing. The customer assistants like to look after grads and it's really nice that they share their experience with you to help you suceed.
I had the opportunity to have as many catch-ups with my buddy/store manager as I desired. The catch ups were fortnightly at the beginning and become more monthly as I becomae more confident and involved. Feedback is regular and often which helps you know how you are doing.
At the beginning of the year I was given plenty of time to complete my tasks to help me learn. At the end of the year I was always very busy as acting Commercial Manager. This gave me great insight into the work load of a commercial manager and what I would be responsible for when I return.
After the first induction month I was given responsibility straight away, which was great and made you feel part of the team. In addition, it made having responsibility seem less daunting since you always had some responsibility from the start. After I did the Duty Manager course I was the duty Manager, opening and closing the shop. I took over a BU for two months at the end of my period when I have direct reports.
The skills I have developed are so transferable everything I have learnt will help in my final degree year and my career.
The Company
We regularly went out for drinks and we all went out for a leaving meal which was lovely.
It is well set up with lots of investment for BPPs including courses. It was slightly disorganised towards the end, however that is the world of retail, with so many changes to management.
I was sent up and down the country for courses which were courses designed for graduates. They invest so much in BPPs to ensure they pass the course and train them up to a good enough level to return.
Subsidised Canteen
National Travel
Company Parties/Events
Staff Sales/Staff Shop
M&S will offer jobs in line with offering graduate places next year. I am signed off and I have passed the year so hopefully I will receive a job offer.
The Culture
When we are on courses we go out for drinks/meals but I think it depends what regionand store you are in, as to whether there is much socialising.
I lived in Nottingham in a shared house. Prices were reasonable and similar to my hometown.
The nightlife has a good social scene because I was in a university town.
I joined loads of clubs which helped make friends in a new town.
Details
Placement (10 Months+)
East Midlands
August 2014
