Neil O’Brien

I wanted to join a graduate programme that would give me exposure to a wide range of businesses. Equally, I wanted to work with a business that is commercially and ethically focused. The Co-operative Group offered me all of this - and more. The graduate programme enabled me to fulfil my business ambitions in a flexible but challenging environment with the potential for maximum exposure and promotion within an ethical and self-conscious organisation.

It all started with a week of training with the other graduates where we learnt about The Co-operative Group, its unique position and all the varying components of the business. This week ended with us working in teams to present a project to all the senior managers within the company. I felt this was an effective learning process and it was a great insight into a large and rapidly changing commercial organisation.

My placement in Buying gave me a real insight into the function. I had the opportunity to work with our Travel, Property and Pharmacy businesses, and found it was something I enjoyed. I was immediately given responsibility, negotiating with suppliers and ensuring their ethics matched ours. I had to develop product ranges that would appeal to customers and deliver profit for the business. Being able to create a range of products, design labels and then to see the range in store was incredibly rewarding. I obviously impressed the mangement team as they offered me a permanent role as a buyer, which I accepted.

Now I’m working in Retail Marketing, and I’ve progressed more than I could have imagined. I find it gratifying now when I visit a refitted store that I designed and launched. My goals at the moment are short-term: I want to learn about the position and progress in this department, I want to achieve the best possible refits both visually and financially, and become a successful Brand Format Manager.