Commercial placement student — Harsh Bhandari

To deepen his understanding of the retail sector, Harsh completed a placement year during his sport management degree. Read his advice on how to thrive during a year in industry 

Why did you decide on a career in retail?

I wanted to work in a customer-oriented industry. Retail is in a constant state of change, and you need to adapt with the market and continuously innovate to meet the needs of the consumer. I love that style of working, as it means there's always something new to learn and look forward to.  

Choosing a career in retail gave me the best opportunity to develop my business acumen in a corporate setting.

Why did you choose Bakkavor? 

I like how large scale the business is, which gives me plenty of learning opportunities in such a multifaceted business.  

The other reason was its values and ethos as an organisation. Throughout the recruitment process Bakkavor emphasised respecting and trusting each other. This really struck me and convinced me to choose them.  

What does your placement involve? 

My tasks involve anything from communicating with cross-functional teams for the smooth execution of product launches and delists to populating scorecards and forecasting to aid decision making.  

Other activities include going to a customer's office for product submissions and attending commercial forums to discuss the future of the company.

What part of your placement do you enjoy the most?

The best part of my placement is the travelling and in-person interactions. As someone who prefers moving around rather than being constantly behind a screen, the commercial placement at Bakkavor is a great opportunity to go to different sites, meet people from different teams and work collaboratively.  

I've witnessed deals and negotiations between different teams, giving me an opportunity to listen and learn. I've developed key skills through these interactions such as effective story telling for the purposes of selling a product and the ability to make decisions in a high-pressure environment. I believe these are going to be the most useful skills going forward, as they are the key to being a successful commercial manager.

What are the challenges? 

One of my greatest challenges has been effectively prioritising and managing my responsibilities in this fast-paced environment. Given the high level of dependency on my work, I've had to learn how to juggle multiple tasks and ensure timely delivery. Initially, I struggled, but by implementing scheduling and note-taking strategies, I've developed a more structured approach to my day, enabling me to meet deadlines and fulfill my obligations more efficiently. 

What three qualities are important for a career in retail? 

• Be a lifelong learner. The industry is constantly evolving, with changing consumer preferences and expectations. Adaptability is key to long-term market success. 
• Strong organisational skills. Retail often involves tight deadlines and demanding customers. Effective time management and coordination within teams are vital to maintain a positive reputation.  
• Cross-functional collaboration. My experience in a commercial placement has highlighted the importance of working effectively with teams across finance, marketing, technical, and procurement. This approach is essential for delivering products and services that resonate with the market. 

What are your career ambitions? 

I aspire to progress and take up leadership positions, particularly in roles such as commercial controller and business development manager. My goal while leading these teams would be to innovate and provide customers with value for money on their products. 

What advice can you give to others on successfully completing a placement? 

I think the best thing anyone can do during their placement is to be proactive and take as many opportunities as possible. Small gestures like putting your hand up, showing a can-do attitude, and getting yourself involved in the business are the key to successfully completing any placement.  

Find out more

• Explore our guidance on work placements. 
• Check out what the retail sector has to offer. 
• Discover what careers are on offer at Bakkavor.