During the first lockdown, the KODi store in my city was one of the few shops to open due to the large number of everyday essentials. The concept of KODi had been appealing to me for some time and one day, when I was standing at the checkout, I suddenly thought: ‘maybe KODi could also be a potential employer for me’.

I had already worked for another retail company beforehand and wanted to take my career in a new direction. I found out about the trainee programme for sales managers via the KODi website, took the opportunity and applied without delay.

The application process was so quick and easy. Just a short time after I had submitted my application online, the regional manager called me and invited me to an initial interview. In this interview, I already got to know two regional managers. This was followed by another interview with the sales management team, who soon informed me that I was being hired.

I was initially trained for four weeks by an experienced store manager. I was then able to manage a store independently for a month, which allowed me to get to know the on-site processes from the ground up.

After two months of training at the store, I was able to shadow one of our sales managers in her day-to-day work. During this time, my mentor introduced me step by step to the role of sales manager. From shop tours and checking sales figures to staff appraisals, I was given a comprehensive insight into the day-to-day work of a sales manager.

The trainee programme at KODi is actually designed to run for 12–18 months. Due to the knowledge I took with me from my previous job, I was able to manage a small area on my own after my training period and was successfully taken on as a sales manager after just five months.

The work at KODi is extremely varied. There are always new challenges and complex tasks that drive and motivate me. I particularly value the fact that I have enough freedom to act independently.

I also like the open and friendly culture at KODi. Everyone is allowed to be themselves. The communication and interaction between colleagues makes working easier, because thanks to streamlined decision-making, new ideas can be implemented quickly and easily.

I advise potential applicants to have a lot of motivation and interest, because this will help you achieve a lot at KODi. Don’t be put off from applying, even if you don’t quite tick all the boxes listed in the job advert. Remember that the trainee programme is designed to give you a chance to learn and develop. And don’t forget to just be yourself in your interviews.

I now work as a project manager in the sales department at head office and am responsible for planning and implementing various projects. My experience from the store helps me to spearhead process improvements and new topics. I particularly enjoy being part of the creative process. Working in a retail environment is highly dynamic and there are new and exciting topics every day, so it never gets boring.