Summer placement student Review

Working at the counter was my main role. Here there was some Responding to symptoms where patients presented to me with their health problems and with the help of trained staff, i then gave an appropriate medicine or advice. I also worked at the dispensery where i was able to help dispense medicines by choosing the correct medicine from the shelves. I also did stock checks as well as checking the expiry dates of both otc and dispensery medicines

I have improved my communication skills including listening and speaking skills. I am also more confident with dealing with customers and answering their queries. In addition i have also improved my problem solving skills from the experiences i had working at the store. My knowledge of the common medicines used in the pharmacy has also improved as well as my knowledge of over the counter problems

It was really my first proper work experience and as a result i did really enjoy it. A part of this also was due to the great team i was working with whom helped me get on with my placement well. The only negative part was the commute to the store which took a while but other than that it was an enjoyable experience

I feel very valued by boots. As soon as i started working at the store everyone welcomed me to the team and helped me get through the placement. If i was struggling with anything i could ask for help and the staff would help me. At the end of placement there was also an opportunity for me to give any feedback about that the placement to the store manager so i did feel valued by boots

It was quite well structured in my opinion... on the first day the manager told me what i will be doing in the placement and also what i can and cannot do in the placement. A study book was also given which allowed me to work in an organised way and get the most out of the placement

There was a good amount of support. Like i said if i had any questions about anything then i could ask the staff and they would help me out. If i was struggling with something then they would always come and ask if i needed any help eg when the counter queue was getting long. However the store was quite busy so i didnt want to keep on asking for help and sometimes i would wait till a time when it was less busier to ask a question

Same as above. At the start of the placement the employer provided me with training on aspects such as health and safety. I watched video's and also completed activities and questions on these aspects. I was also trained on how to use the till and alos how to deal with customers eg when a customer is getting angry

This was a voluntary work experience so there was no salary. However it would have been nice if i was reimbursed the travelling costs

Yes there is but due to the limited time and long traveling time i was not able to experience this so i cannot comment

Yes

There are good opportunities at this company with lots of different jobs on offer. A good amount of training is provided meaning that you will be confident to start your job. The support is also really good and the staff are all friendly and welcoming. In the pharmacy there is also the opportunity to work your way up

Be honest in the online application process and just be yourself. Ideally get some work experience working at a store as this will help you a lot especially your confidence levels. Do your research on the company before you aplly to make sure that this is the right place for you. Visit a store and ask the staff what the company looks for if you get the opportunity