Alanna Russell, Retail Graduate at Applegreen

Why did you apply for Applegreen?

When I first began looking for a graduate programme, I knew I wanted something that would allow me to experience various departments in a company, as I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do in the future. Luckily, that is exactly what Applegreen offers. The chance to experience three departments, retail work in PFS/SA sites, and the chance to work abroad really caught my attention.

After a lot of research about the company I just knew I wanted to work for Applegreen. The interview process was well structured, and Katie was very supportive throughout the entire process. I just knew that Applegreen was the place for me.

What are you favourite parts of the programme?

My favourite parts of the programme would probably the extra projects that the graduates get to take ownership of. For example, Katie arranged a new idea of creating a video project where the graduate’s interview senior leaders within the company.

We were given full creative freedom and made it what we wanted. Not only was this a fantastic create challenge, it gave the graduates a chance to get to know and learn from these incredible people within the business. The entire experience was extremely inspirational and educational. It showed me that Katie and the company has a lot of faith in us.

What do other graduates/new starters enjoy when they start working here and what do they find most challenging?

I think the graduates enjoy having a rather small programme. We all are very close and can learn even from each other. I think every graduate being in a different rotation is a great opportunity for everyone to develop even more independence while we still can lean on each other for additional support.

Of course, there are always challenges for graduate going into their first job and some of the rotation may not have been something we studied in college. The learning and development, however, prepares us to face any challenges that might come our way during each rotation.

How have you found the training and development?

Personally, I have really enjoyed the learning and development. Training in IACT is always something I look forward to. We attend workshops such as negotiation basics, excel workshops, leadership classes and many more.

The workshops are all very interactive and allow us to put what we learn into practise to prepare us for when we will use them. They have really helped me within my first few months and it’s always something I look forward to attend with my fellow graduates.

What are the benefits of starting your professional career in the retail industry?

Retail is growing at a rapid rate and the opportunities are endless. Before I began, I had no idea the amount of work that goes into every small detail within the Business. There is so much to learn and constant innovation within the business.

We are always given chances to use our creativity and to broaden our minds because the business itself is always developing and growing. I feel like this was the perfect place to begin my career and it will absolutely benefit me for the rest of my career.