Work Experience Review

On a day-to-day basis my work varied and would depend on the customer needs too. When working at M&S I was given an overview of the store and how the system works. I was asked to stocks shelves and also ask customers if they needed any help. I also worked on the till but I found this fairly difficult so luckily I was able to have flexible work to suit my needs. Furthermore, Projects included working alongside administrators and employees often taking a central role in helping them such as helping with the self checkout or customer assistance. Overall I would say on a day to day basis I was constantly being a part of the actual workforce and given relevant tasks to engage and be a part of the learning experience therefore I would give M&S a 10/10

Whilst being a part of the M&S team and interacting with different team members and havinhg a go at a few different jobs I have learnt more about stocking shelves and ensuring customers are always happy and develop my people skills. Examples include but are not limited to insights into the conduct and practice of work; how to report, how to speak to one another etc. Likewise the administrative role I was given showed me the practice of taking the initiative as well as how to communicate with colleges

I really enjoyed the programme overall and would definitely go back. Everyone who helped me was very helpful and friendly and I was always asked how I was getting on and not left on my own to sort myself out; a sense of independence. My leader was very polite and considerate of health and safety and was very professional. The programme as a whole was quite varied and engaging.

I felt very valued by the M&S team as I was always asked how I was and the staff were really helpful and chatty to me making sure i felt comfortable in the workplace. I was included in all conversations and made to feel as part of the team. The workers alongside my manager recognised and appreciated my efforts and input as well as contributions to the workplace

I would undoubtedly say that the M&S group are very thorough and organised with their work experience members as not only was there a day to day timetable for work and task but also the fact activities felt engaging and well thought of. Furthermore I was given training by a specific staff member which rotated on different days for whichever job I was doing and enabled me to meet most of the staff this way too as well as dive into different jobs and get a full experience of actual work

I received a lot of support from my training provider and I was very happy with how I was treated and looked after. He asked me questions about my needs and whether I required any special assistance or help with both work or any personal problems, disabilities etc. His role as a leader felt much like a friend and advisor rather than a teacher which was particularly great as he wasn't too bossy or interfering instead giving me the freedom to enjoy and learn about the workplace

I received some support from my direct employer however it was mainly a group effort with the staff to look after me and ensure I was doing well and keeping up to date. Furthermore even after my work experience I was offered another chance to learn and be a part of the workforce in the future. Even fellow workers expressed support and kind words to me during my time there, encouraging me to think about a career at M&S through their personal experiences and thoughts.

As my programme was a work experience no salary was given and since it was local living, travel and any other costs were not present. However for what was given such a personal insight and knowledge of the workplace was priceless as was the fact I could work for M&S in the future and have a higher probability of doing so

Yes, there were opportunities to change M&S store chains if needed although it will depend on the quantity of staff although they encourage staff where I worked to have "work nights out" and meet ups to better know everyone as well as include them in knowledge of other opportunities and career choices and how they can better themselves within the workplace. However Outside of my work experience there was little opportunities since after all it was a work experience, however the manager did approach me after my week of work experience to notify me of his interest to make me apart of his workforce in the future as a result of my attitude to learning.

Yes

Yes I would highly recommend M&S to a friend as I really enjoyed my experience at M&S and I was trained and looked after too. They helped me with any problems and queries as well as any questions I had about job offers at the company. I think I will try for a job with M&S in the future. As a whole it was very satisfactory and organised as a work experience. Through various engaging and central activities as well as roles, the whole week was very insightful into the workplace; it's conventions, know-how and conduct. The whole experience was encouraging and motivational to be an employee and to be a part of the working world and I would conclusively recommend it

I would say to be themselves and ask questions and show enthusiasm about the job. I think it is a good career for anyone wanting a part time job and who is a people person and does not mind working in a shop environment. The employees I worked with like someone who opens up and shows charisma and enthusiasm too. I would also say to learn about the brand and show you care for the company too. They should also be ready for a focused and engaging week of work, insight and knowledge