Commercial Manager 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

3.2/5
  • The Role
    4.3
  • The Company
    3.0
  • The Culture
    1.9

    The Role

  • 1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?
  • During my placement I spent time in several stores. Where I first began my placement I was left to do an advisor job despite on a commercial management training programme. However the company were quick to respond to this and moved me into a store where I enjoyed my placement and didn't want to leave.

    4/5

  • 2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?
  • Since being in a different store to my first store, within my first week of being part of the management team I was invited to all the social events as well as involved in every aspect of the management decisions.

    5/5

  • 3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?
  • Since being at my new store, my manager has always ensured I have got the best out of my training and always given me a chance to show this; such as leaving me in charge of running their stock take.

    5/5

  • 4. How busy were you on a daily basis?
  • Some days I did find myself bored however other days I would be so busy I would end up staying 2 or more hours past my finishing time.

    4/5

  • 5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?
  • They sent me to be duty manager trained which meant I have been the duty manager on several occasions as well as in store manager and other commercial managers absense been the most senior in store. I was given an entire department to run whilst the manager went off sick and was given the opportunity to walk regional managers around myself.

    5/5

  • 6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
  • I have learnt not only from the good times I've had, but also from the bad times. I have definately understood the value of respect in the workplace, as well as time management.

    5/5

    The Company

  • 7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?
  • Despite cuts being made across the business, the team in store never failed to keep up the happy atmosphere and were always laughing and joking, making the job much more bearable during hard times.

    5/5

  • 8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?
  • Very poorly organised placement. I was unable to fully complete their placement plan due to insufficient planning in the first stages. The first store I arrived at were not even expecting me as I had been given a different store for my induction and at last minute moved me. The current store did their best at trying to keep to the plan however.

    1/5

  • 9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
  • Current store has given me more time to complete and grow my skills. However overall, there is little time to learn and develop due the high level of cuts the business are making, meaning managers work loads have already increased.

    4/5

  • 10. What were the perks on your work placement?
  • Subsidised Canteen

    National Travel

    Company Parties/Events

    Staff Sales/Staff Shop

    Above 25 days holiday

    3/5

  • 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?
  • Knowing the knowledge of the company already, and the chance to be on a chosen region.

    4/5

    The Culture

  • 12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?
  • Rarely got together with other placement students and was the only placement student in my store/ area.

    2/5

  • 13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?
  • Just outside London so was cheaper than being central.

    3/5

  • 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?
  • Very little and what there is are not delightful places.

    1/5

  • 15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?
  • I never looked into this as was too busy in work. However I do know there are gyms and various other activities in the surrounding area.

    3/5

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Details

Placement (10 Months+)

Retail, Sales, Financial Management, Purchasing and Supply, Recruitment, Employment Law

London

August 2014


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