Industrial Placement Student Review
at Aldi
Placement (10 Months+)
Retail Manager
Sawley
Review Submitted: July 2024
Overall Rating
4 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
5/5
-
Overview of Role
4/5
-
Skills Development
3/5
-
Support and Guidance
4.5/5
-
Company Culture
3.5/5
-
Overall Experience
4/5
-
Future Career Prospects
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis.
Managing a team in different parts of the business. In store you are required to lead an experience team, organising rotas, day plans, managing KPIs etc. When in project work you'll be required to drive your own learning in completing that work and then presenting it to a SOD. When shadowing an Area Manager you will follow their tasks and schedule which tends to be weekly updates with Store Managers and interviews with candidates.
Were you given much responsibility during your placement / internship?
Yes- If you want responsibility then this where you'll find it. You are in charge of leading experienced teams. You are also in charge of your own learning as you will not get the level of support you will need in terms of constant guidance to improve.
Please rate how meaningful the work you were doing was
5/5
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills, or developed your existing skills?
Yes- you are very much thrown into the deep end with this placement so you will learn many new skills. I have definitely seen an increase in my confidence and communication skills. I have also learnt a lot about myself and how resilient I am many times throughout this placement.
How would you rate the training provided during your experience?
3/5
How would you rate your development of industry-specific skills during the experience?
4/5
How would you rate your development of personal / soft skills during the experience?
4/5
Please rate how these skills have helped you in your career development
5/5
Support and Guidance
How much support and guidance did you receive during your placement / internship?
Not as much as I would argue is required. I have recommended that during store time an IP should check in with a SM weekly, and an AM monthly- at least! Out of store time AM guidance fell short and contact was very infrequent.
How would you rate the support and guidance from your line manager?
2/5
How would you rate the support and guidance from the wider team?
4/5
Company Culture
What was the company culture and general atmosphere like?
Aldi staff are some of the most welcoming and friendly people I have ever met. You will of course still meet some team members you do not necessarily agree with but on a whole the team atmosphere is very positive.
How would you rate the inclusiveness of the culture?
5/5
How would you rate the social opportunities?
4/5
How would you rate the diversity initiatives?
4/5
How would you rate the charity, sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives?
5/5
Overall Experience
To what extent did you enjoy your placement / internship?
This is a very challenging year. There will be times when you'll hate it- however, it is worth what you put in- I have not been successful in being invited to come back for the graduate scheme- however, I still believe the year has been worth what I can now put on my CV and talk abut in job interviews. The skills and experience this placement has given me has been really beneficial.
Please rate your level of enjoyment on your placement / internship
3/5
Please rate how your experience met your expectations
4/5
Future Career Prospects
Please rate the future employment prospects at Aldi
4/5
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Aldi to a friend?
Yes
What advice would you give to others applying to Aldi
Make sure this placement aligns with what you want. It is a very challenging year and will be made even harder if your heart is not in it. I would say 100% apply if you are willing to try hard to succeed as this placement can really open up doors for you whether you stay on with Aldi as an AM or a different avenue.
