Marks & Spencer

Work Experience Opportunities

Marks & Spencer is one of the UK’s most recognisable high street retailers. We have 520 stores located throughout the country and 150 stores worldwide, including over 130 franchise businesses, operating in 30 countries. But none of this would be possible without the right people. That’s why we really look after them – and that includes students who choose to spend their business placement with us. From the minute you arrive we’ll give you plenty of responsibility – not to mention all the support you need to get the most out of your time here. All we ask in return is that you have the drive and ambition to really take advantage of the opportunities we’ll offer, plus a passion and energy that matches our own.

Lasting 12 months and based either in one of our training stores or at our Head Office, an M&S business placement will allow you to experience a wide range of activities specific to your chosen area of interest. In store, this could be anything from selling food and clothing, to understanding management and HR practices.

At Head Office level, you could be working with our IT, Food Technology or Design teams, gaining a solid set of leadership skills as you do so. Wherever you’re based, you can expect a carefully structured programme, balancing theory and practice in equal measure. You’ll also be able to take advantage of regular performance reviews. At the end of their year with us, students who’ve really excelled are invited back to join our Graduate Scheme after they’ve completed their degree. Those who take us up on our offer will enjoy even more learning and development opportunities, plus all the other benefits you’d expect from a retailer as successful as M&S.

Apply to: www.marksandspencer.com/gradcareers

Closing Date (placements/internships): 14th December

Duration: 12 months

When: September 2008

Quality Mark – What It Means To Us

“I’ve always said we have a fantastic training scheme. It meets the needs of students and our business. I want to make sure it stays that way. That’s why I decided to put my money where my mouth is and get the scheme recognised.

The scheme was graded using eight different criteria (Commitment, Recruitment, Induction, Learning & Development, Assessment, Resources & Support, Programme Evaluation & Monitoring and Partnerships).

It was nice to have an independent party verify our opinion of ourselves and the feedback that we received was great. We were given tips about improvements we could make and ways to benchmark ourselves against our competitors.

Now that we’re accredited, our Quality Mark will remain valid for three years. But that doesn’t mean that we can rest on our laurels. The National Council for Work Experience will continue to conduct yearly reviews and we’ll continue to find new and exciting ways to enhance our offering. “

Linda Graham, Graduate and Business Placement Programme Manager, Marks & Spencer

www.marksandspencer.com/gradcareers