Summer Placement Student [John Lewis] Review

I thoroughly enjoyed my time working at John Lewis. Every day was different, challenging, but incredibly rewarding.

From the very start of my placement, I was made to feel a member of the team. If I ever had a question, there was always someone willing to help me. All the staff and managers I came across were incredibly generous with their time and advice.

The support and guidance at John Lewis was second to none. I was assigned a member of the Learning & Development team to meet with every week and discuss my progress and I was astonished at how much I learnt about retail, the John Lewis partnership and also myself in these meetings.

Because of the nature of retail, there was not a moment when there was nothing to do. I was given the responsibilty of managing my own schedule to ensure I completed the tasks required of me on the department, and achieved my own personal tasks.

From day one, I was treated as a manager and given the responsibility to match. It iwas amaxing to feel that trusted by John Lewis to take on so much responsibility; responsibility not only to carry out daily tasks, but also to lead your personal development. .

I really did learn something new every day at John Lewis and already notice I am using my newly acquired skills in other aspects of my life. The skills John Lewis can offer to summer placement students are ones which will help in any career you choose to pursue after your degree.

The atmosphere was great. Because John Lewis is a partnership, staff really are valued, listened to and encouraged which makes for a supportive and close working team.

The placement was outstandingly well-planned. I was contacted before starting so that I knew where I was going to be placed, what the basic structure of the placement would be and this also meant I had a point of contact in case I had any questions. I could not fault any stage of the placement organisation.

Personal training and development was one of the real strengths of the John Lewis store I worked at. There was never any question of providing it, and my requests for one-to-one training on certain aspects of the business was always met with such enthusiasm.

My time with John Lewis allowed me to get to know the company from the inside, and not just to see the shiny exterior. Having seen how valued staff are and what emphasis is placed on honesty, trust and development, I could not help but wish to work there in the future. At the end of the placement scheme, I was recommended for the graduate training scheme; to bypass on-line application and join the assessment centre on day two.

I worked closely alongside a fellow summer placement student. It was great to have someone to talk to who was going through the same experience.

My money did go further in the North-East. I was lucky enough to live at home during my placement, which cut down on costs considerably.

Newcastle has a fantastic nightlife. It is a city where there is always something going on to interest everyone.

I only spent 6 weeks with the partnership, and did not have enough time to get involved, but there were more than enough opportunities there for more permanent staff.