Case studies : Retail buyer: Louise

Louise studied a four-year sandwich degree in management and administration at Aston University. She spent her placement year at a Peugeot dealership on their retail management scheme, working in each of the different departments. During the summer before Louise returned to complete her final year of the degree, she completed an eight-week summer placement in the buying team at Sainsbury’s Store Support Centre. This gave her the retail head office experience she wanted to complement the year she had worked at Peugeot.

I completed a number of assessments to secure the Sainsbury’s eight-week placement, including a few additional ones. I did well on these and I was offered a role on the graduate scheme for when I finished my degree the following year.

During my third year it was great knowing I had a job to start when I finished my course. My degree was relevant, but you don’t necessarily need a business degree. The hiring managers were much more interested in my work experience and it was my placement year which really helped me to secure the role.

I’m now a food buyer at Sainsbury’s and the role is very diverse. I’m responsible for my own products, which are stocked in the stores. Each day I look at the previous day’s sales, complete data analysis, plan promotions and events for new product launches.

I’ve been working here for two years and in that time I have developed my skills because of the role. Every day I meet with suppliers and communicate internally with colleagues. The role has definitely developed my people and leadership skills. I’ve also learnt to be accountable and use my initiative.

The best thing about my role is that it offers lots of variety, accountability and it’s really fast moving; a decision I make today can impact the stores and the customers tomorrow. It’s really great to walk into a store and see the products I’ve selected. However, because there are so many dimensions to my role it can be very challenging; I have to always think about the customer, considering what is feasible, commercial and profitable.

Being on a graduate scheme gives you the option to gain experience across multiple departments. In the future I’d like to spend more time back in stores, and gain a better understanding of our customers. I would also like to experience the marketing department, as it would give me an understanding of looking at things from a different angle. In the long term, I’d like to make it to the board.

Anyone wanting to get onto a graduate scheme should seriously consider why they are applying for that particular scheme with that company.  Managers want to see passionate candidates, who understand the industry. On top of that, get as much work experience as possible, whether it is volunteering at university or working in a shop or head office, it’s all valuable experience when you go for an interview.