Retail Assistant Review

I found that spending my placement at such an established company, such as the Co-Operative, really allowed my business skills to blossom. I loved the idea that every decision I made could potentially impact upon the performance of the business. It was thrilling to think that every suggestion I put forward could bring extra revenue to the company.

I mostly interacted with my colleagues during the team meetings where we discussed the sales performance of the department. Whenever I made a suggestion or put forward a point, I felt like the team were really listening to my feedback and ideas. I certainly felt like they appreciated my contributions.

My manager was the most considerate person I have ever worked under. She took the time nearly every day to ask how I felt the placement was going and whether I needed any help. It was a pleasure to come into work every day.

I was so consumed in my work that I never really paid attention to how little or excessive it was. I was never sat bored at my desk as if there was only a few tasks to do, I enjoyed spending more time thinking about them and doing them to the best of my ability.

Understandably, I wasn't given full control of the department but I was allowed just enough responsiblity to feel that my efforts and investment in the department were worthwhile.

My business skills improved dramatically whilst I was on placement. There really is nothing more beneficial for a young business student than to get first-hand experience in the industry. During my time at the Co-Operative my business acumen came on leaps and bounds.

I was too invested in my work to spend the day socialising, but everyone who I encountered in the company was pleasant enough.

I didn't hear back from the company for a long time after doing my interview. But, overall, I'm glad they offered me a placement opportunity as I loved every second of it. There really is no where better to spend your placement than the Co-Operative.

I was never offered any professional training, but I was allowed to access the company's sales figures which I felt showed their trust and investment in me. I was also heavily involved in the marketing aspect of the company, which is central to the business as a whole.

It's notoriously difficult to secure a permanent position at the company; and my experience wasn't any different. I did my placement, returned to university, and never heard from them again. Which is sad as I would jump at the chance to work for the company.

Me and my colleagues often went for meals in nearby restaurants during our lunch. I didn't know anybody particularly well but still got an invitation, which I think perfectly shows how strong the social scene is - it's a very friendly place.

I lived in a nice apartment in Salford which was relatively cheap - if the same apartment had been located in Manchester city centre it would have been atleast three times more expensive. However, the downside of living in Salford is that it's not safe to leave your apartment at night so it's impossible to have a busy social life - unless you can afford expensive taxi fares.

Manchester city centre has everything you could wish for. I'm not really a clubbing person myself, so I spent a lot of time at the casino and the cinema. Occasionally, I even attended a few theatre showings aswell.

There were lots of meals organised and a few barbeques during the holiday periods. Thankfully, there weren't too many nights out or visits to the local pubs and bars. Everybody was pleasant to each other but we were all aware that everybody had their own private circles of friends which they spent their time out of work with.