Business Placement Programme Commercial Manager Review

The placement was very enjoyable as every day is different. It is definitely NOT a desk job (!) and the weekly targets provide challenges to keep the job exciting and engaging.

In both stores I worked in I was regarded as one of the team. I was invited to all management meetings and my opinions in these meetings were listened to and taken on-board. At the end of my placement I was taken for coffee by the Store Manager and a Commercial Manager as a thank you for the work I had done.

At the beginning of the placement all new placement students/graduates are given a sign off booklet which outlines all the skills and competencies which the business expect to be developed over the year. I had regular meetings with my supervisor to go through this booklet and sign off skills I had developed or discuss development plans.

Most days were manageable. I generally had a to-do list and would complete most of this by the end of the day. At peak periods such as Christmas, Mothers' Day, first day of January Sale etc the store was extremely busy.

At the beginning of the placement I was given projects to complete, but as the year went on I was given departments to run. By the end I was asked to cover Commercial Manager holidays and ran the Food hall for one or two weeks at a time.

I have definitely developed skills over the past year which will help me to achieve higher results in my degree, and I expect it to make me more employable in the future.

The office had an informal atmosphere most of the time which made getting to know the team much easier. It also helped to ask questions and understand the jobs quicker.

Overall the placement was well set up, however occasionally it was apparent that a few people had not been given prior warning of tasks which needed to be completed (ie. for formal reviews), and there was sometimes an inconsistency in the method of management by the supervisors.

I was given training on every aspect of the job, and sent on overnight stays to various locations in the UK to complete this training.

I have been invited back onto the Graduate Scheme next September when I have finished my degree.

Yes, we met each other on induction and then again on courses throughout the year, and always went for a meal together at the end of the course. We are now planning a reunion for late September.

I was able to continue living in the same house I had lived in whilst at uni, so still socialised with the same group of friends.

I lived in Newcastle so the nightlife was very good!

There was one staff party whilst I was there but not many people seemed interested in attending it. However we did go out as a Management team for a meal before Christmas.