Laura Wellenberg has been working as a trainee at Peek & Cloppenburg KG, Düsseldorf since October 2015 and is already leading a team of several people in her first management position. She reports on her experiences here.
1. Ms. Wellenberg, what were your reasons for the trainee program at Peek & Cloppenburg (P&C)?
An open corporate culture, fast career opportunities, an above-average salary as well as early personnel and budget responsibility were the factors that made P&C and especially the trainee program with a focus on purchasing the optimal start to my career.
2. What stages did you go through on your way to your first management position?
The P&C trainee program is divided into three phases over the 18 months: the sales and purchasing phases, followed by the first independent management of a sales department. Like all trainees, I started in sales, where I developed a basic understanding of the core business. The first three months were accompanied by seminars such as personnel management, product knowledge, number analysis as well as time and self-management. In the second phase of the program, I accompanied a central purchasing officer in her daily tasks, such as: B. the product range design and drove with her to supplier appointments. Then everything happened very quickly. Just six months after starting my career, I got my first management position as a department head.
3. What is special about your job at P&C?
I have found a job that is as individual as I am. In addition to the everyday tasks such as managing employees, stockpiling and analyzing key figures, there are regularly unforeseeable challenges. This could be a sudden staff illness or an unexpected rush of customers. This makes everyday working life varied and exciting for me.
4. What three qualities should you definitely have for your position?
To be successful in my job, you should have an affinity for numbers and a high level of flexibility. In addition, strong communication skills are essential for working in retail.
5. What are your future career plans?
As my next career step, I am aiming for the position of retail buyer. In this position I am responsible for purchasing for my own department, meaning I order selected clothing items from a specific product segment; At the same time, I am a manager for my team on the sales floor.
MRS WELLENBERG CHOOSE THE TRAINEE PROGRAM WITH A FOCUS ON PURCHASING; START ON APRIL 1ST AND OCTOBER 1ST. IN ADDITION, THERE ARE MANY EXCITING ENTRY AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES. ALL INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE AT PEEK-CLOPPENBURG.DE/KARRIERE
P&C Career Lounge on June 29th and 30th in Berlin. Register now: karriere.peek-cloppenburg.de
Laura Wellenberg works as a trainee at Peek & Cloppenburg. She reports on her experiences here.
