Spotlight on Talent – Sophie Edmonds

Studied: Level 3 Business & Marketing
Progression: Retail Assistant at The Entertainer

Self-belief was one of the key things Sophie Edmonds says she gained from her work placement at toy retailers, The Entertainer.  Her growing confidence and customer service skills resulted in the business and marketing student being offered a role as a sales assistant after completing her course.

Eight months on, she loves greeting and talking to customers and working closely with her colleagues.

“This is an ideal role for me.  I’m grateful I had the opportunity to ease my way into it through my work placement,” said Sophie.

“I hadn’t really had much work experience before this. Now I realise just how important it is for me and other young people to come out of a comfort zone like college and just do something new.  You won’t know what’s out there otherwise.  Or what it could lead you to.”

Sophie enjoyed her college course, particularly a module on digital marketing and social media and had already decided she didn’t want to go on to university.  She sees her work placement as an excellent way to start learning on the job and getting used to being around different customers; giving them advice on products and services.

So when she was invited to apply for a permanent role, Sophie jumped at the chance.

“My role is varied.  It includes store demos where you interact with as many shoppers as you can,” said Sophie.

“This is one of the things that makes a high street store so relevant.  You can’t beat the product range we offer or the knowledge of our staff.  Plus, there’s the buzz of seeing children being free to explore everything in store.”

Sophie added: “I really enjoy what I do and would recommend to anyone who is offered a work placement to go for it.

“It might seem scary to be around people you don’t know, but you will be supported and find it easy to settle in where you are.

“I was sad when my placement came to an end.  To be back here as an official team member is brilliant.”