Commercial School Leaver - Trading Review

I work in the Trading department, a lot of my work is analytical so it involves alot of numbers. this doesn't mean that i need to have exceptional maths skills but being good at maths does help. being part of the commercial devision you need good business sense and sound reasoning to do your job. every day you have tasks which are the same every day but you also have a lot of variety. in my day i will look to watch to spot trends and patterns and then i devise a strategy on what i want to achieve and how i will do it, then its all about getting that into action. each day you can see if what you have done has worked which can be rewarding in itself. i have many objectives to achieve by the end of the season, this can often casues conflicting strategies and requires you to be creative to solve many problems. i have to work with alot of other departments to help me achieve my goals so everyday i will be in contact with them and vice versa. i have responsibility for other tasks which i have to manage around my main role these are often to support my team by creating reports or extracting crucial data to help them effectively do their jobs.

the majority of my workload is computer based and I think this is where I have improved the most, my excel skills have significantly improved along with other microsoft office tools. I'm much faster at typing and my communication through emails has become very important, you need to make sure the right tone comes across with what you want to get back. I have built up a lot more confidence even though this wasn't an issue before, mostly through my communicate to others with my point of view and building a solid case for my reasoning and also presenting to large groups with senior managers in has been really beneficial. There are oportunities to take on extra roles within your team and this is has been great for strengthening my time management, organisation, leadership and planning skills. I am currently part of my team's sustainability committee and has allowed me to be creative with coming up with charity events.

the company culture is a very friendly atmosphere and the office is modern and a great working environment. I work in a very motivated and competitive team perfect for me as we are always looking for new ways to improve. i think the company has a real work hard attitude but this doesn't go unrewarded my team are strong believers of enjoying ourselves too so we have gone out on team evenings and lunches out to boost team work. every year there is a summer party to celebrate the hard work and dedication everyone has put in. i really enjoy working here.

there are awards given out internally often but the most recognition you recieve is from your teams they really know when you have gone above and beyond or have put that extra in and praise you for it. Your opinion is very important, you often sit down with you manager for a 1-2-1 to help focus your development and to also quickly get on top of any isuses you may have. i have a high responsibility role and so it is important for me to get my point of view across if i want something changed, because my role is very analytical i have alot of indepth knowledge which is important for others to use and so want my opinion.

there is a good structure in place and a framework for you to work against but there is also a flexibility aspex which is involved. after the induction you take some control over your training, so if there is something that you feel you didnt understand the first time or something you want to learn about you can get invovled and plan it into your schedule, this has been really useful to replan another training session with a collegue as there where bits you missed or you want greater detail. alot of our training is on the job and you quickly get to know the ins and outs of your role, the scheme has also allowed me to move to other departments or short secondments and they have and structures in place for me to learn the role they play and how that effects me in mine.

there is a constant support network and if your direct manager isn't available there is always another willing to help you out. there is aways the availablity of more support should you need or want it so if you need help with anthing there is always a collegue that can sort the problem out.

from the start you are given a 'buddy' this is someone from another department that helps you with any concerns you have, this is really useful as they have a different view and you can start making friends in different areas of the business.

the company gives everyone the chance to take a discovery day this is for us to use in our teams and do something for charity or the local community, last year we helped with painting and maintainance on a school in the town.

Yes

its very easy to fit in and it has a great worknig environment.

be yourself and come across with a little confidence, dont worry that you dont think you know everything about the role your going into or the business. they are looking to see that you are interested and enthusiastic but dont expect you to know everything, but dont come unprepared. before i joined i had heard of the company and new a few of the UK brands so i did some research online, this helped me understand more about the company and its ethos.