Trainee Commercial Manager Review

I was unsure if this would be the job for me but after almost a year I have no doubt it is where I want to pursue my career. M&S have been fantastic in supporting me in developing my skill base and well as equpping me with the right tools to be able to be successful and efficient in my current role. I can't wait to return after completing my degree.

I was of course very nervous at first but feel I have made genuine friends here at M&S that support me within my work and personal life and I support them back. I feel I can speak to anyone about my feelings and opinions and my fresh pair of eyes has always been seen welcomed and seen as a positive.

I had multiple line managers as I moved on to different departments and I also worked in multiple stores during my placement but I maintained great relationships with all my managers; both commercial and store so had a huge supportive network around me. I also had a mentor who I had regular catch ups with and felt I could tell them anything.

In retail there are some days when you will run around like a headless chicken but that is the beauty of the environment I have chosen to work in. So yes, some days I was too busy, especially around Christmas and other eventing periods but ultimately not being bored is a key reason in me loving my job so much.

I was given the Christmas Gift Shop to run in business' 4th best shop as my first attachment (so 4 weeks in) and having proven my capabilities here being rated the best gift shop in the business the responsibility given to me was very much that of the role I was aspiring to be in. I was never treated like a trainee.

The people skills I have learnt will serve me through many situations I am sure will occur in my lifetime. That has been the biggest learning curve for me. All the skills I have developed and the training I have received will of course help me in my degree in one way or another but my time management will be a key factor which work has influenced. I will be able to successfully balance so much more and enjoy my final year of University so much more.

There were trying periods throughout my placement year as the business went through it's necessary changes; and these did impact upon the atmosphere in store and with the management team. However, this rarely lasted long and with all the energy, fun and enthusiasm, I genuinely can't believe how quickly my year has gone!

Within my intake, I seemed to have one of the better experiences. There were occassions when I was moving department and felt there could have been more support with the transition phase. Also, there are sometimes too many people trying to support you; so with a grad mentor and a grad sponsor it could be confusing who to go to with a problem. I just went to who I felt was most appropriate and it definitely worked for me.

I could sign up for as many courses as I deemed appropriate and was sent on some compulsory ones. I also had regular feedback and meetings with my current line manager and mentor to talk through and continue my development.

I have just been offered a job to return to the business when I have graduated and am delighted to have accepted the offer.

There was a smaller group of us who were in regular contact and organsied our own social outings. We did invite everyone but there was very little uptake and we were very content amongst ourselves. I also had a group of friends from University who are on placement also and we have maintained a great social life amongst ourselves too. I do think that the business could have organised a introduction social event and a leaving social event as a base but this is one we have feedback for future graduates and BPPs.

Manchester City Centre prices depend on where you go and having lived here all my life I am very much used to the cost.

Manchester nightlife is fantastic, there is something for everyone's tastes.

It is what you make it, and the more you put yourself out there to be involved, the more you will be involved in and enjoy.