Sale Associate Review

The programme has allowed me to be seen as a senior sales associate. Very early on in the programme I was given manager functions on the till which allowed my colleagues to see me as a go to person in the team. My main focus is sales and providing excellent customer service however, I also take on extra responsibilities such as doing the rotas and offering coaching to members of the team I have been able to do this from the training provided by the programme.

Whilst the programme does not offer any qualifications, I have developed enormously as a person. I have developed my coaching * training skills, I have learnt to better manage people and my biggest achievement is the improvement of my public speaking. Before the programme I was very shy and wouldn't get involved now, I regularly do the team briefs for my department, do presentations for the Harrods Directors and speak in the GSM briefs.

I really enjoy my job. I get to work with a range of different people within my team and customers. I have been given intercultural awareness training for our main customers e.g. Russian, middle eastern and Chinese.

I have regular catch ups with my managers to explain my progress. Directors from the business are eager to speak with me and find out how I'm getting on in formal meetings and seeing each other in passing on the shop floor at Harrods.

At the beginning of each placement we are given dates for our trainings and also guidelines of what we should be achieving, both in training and on the shop floor. It is very clear what is expected of us. There are lots of different mentors available within the business that I regularly meet for advice.

The learning and development team at Harrods provide me with lots of support. We regularly meet to see how I'm progressing and any additional support I require.

My shop floor managers are very supportive and are keen to find out how I'm progressing. We have fortnightly meetings to discuss my progress and what I can be doing to move forward.

Although my basic salary is good considering I'm on a school leaver programme, I am on the same wage as other sales associates in the business. We are on a commission scheme so I find I struggle to earn enough money when I am trying to take on extra responsibilities to further my career.

Harrods offer us 1 day a year to take part in charity events. Last year some of us on the School Leaver programme took part in the Color Run UK for NSPCC. Harrods were very supportive and the events team helped us to raise extra money with bake sales and to create awareness for us. Corporate health regularly put on events and classes and there is also a fitness class every week - in the summer this happens in Hyde Park.

Yes

I have seen massive improvements in myself. I am so glad I chose this programme instead of going to university. I, also, really enjoy my job and have made some great friends.

Speak to as many members of staff as possible before your interview. Take your time when doing the online applications. Do as much research about the company as possible.