Commercial Finance Intern Review

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed my placement at VM, the experience over the 14 month period was invaluable. Working within the Commercial Finance team at VM, I found the nature of the work both exciting and challenging and due to the fast paced environment I never experienced two identical working days.

Upon starting my placement I was very quickly introduced to my direct stakeholders in addition to other colleagues around the business. Within the first two weeks I had sat down individually with each stakeholder, who walked me through their role and was willing to answer any questions I had. As my placement elapsed my colleagues seemed interested in my progress at work and offered any support if required.

From day one I was always supported by both my line managers and head of department. I felt they were very approachable and willing to arrange time to discuss any queries I had regarding work or career advice. I approached both a number of times regarding the potential to work on other projects I found interesting around the business, in which they managed to either organise for me, or put me in contact with the relevant people for me to liaise with.

On a daily basis workload would be steady with the occasional tight deadline depending on the nature of the task or project I would be working on. Workload varied throughout the month, with month-end generally being the busiest period. However there would be other periods throughout the year where we would reforecast and this could result in an increase in workload. I never found myself bored with nothing to do and the workload was always manageable. Working in such an able team meant that tasks could be reallocated to another colleague who had some capacity if needed.

I was responsible for a number of tasks throughout the month in addition to supporting larger projects. Yet the majority of responsibility sat within the month-end period output. This included the production of an accurate financial deck that incorporated the previous months financial performance and told the high level story of the key drivers against variances to our latest forecast. This deck would then be presented to our financial director. With this level of responsibility as an intern I felt a sense of pride in the work I produced.

Both the excel and presentation skills I developed aided me whilst I was on my placement and I am certain they will be of use in my final year at university and later in my career. The additional courses such as stakeholder management and career advice presentations has allowed me to perceive and approach working life from a slightly different perspective.

The general atmosphere was relaxed yet professional, the dress code was smart casual which enabled employees to work in a comfortable environment. The office was open planned with viability of the senior leadership team reducing the feeling of 'them and us'. There was sufficient space to set up a formal meeting in a room or a number of more relaxed areas where you could grab a coffee and have a catchup.

From the starting application process right through to the awards ceremony I think the scheme was organised very well. I did not feel pressured in anyway at the assessment centre and it was definately one of the more well structured and effective ones in which I attended. The day is all about you just being yourself, no tricks or hidden a parts to the day. Throughout the placement the talents team organised a number of events and supported the intern community when we arranged charity fund raising events and off site days.

I was heavily invested in at the start of my placement with an indepth handover of my role and then provided with a buddy who I could seek help and advise from if required. The company supported with courses off site and also made available an internal portal which had a number of different interactive courses which could be undertaken. These included information packs on their products and services as well as general courses which may help you in your day to day role such as effective communication and excel courses. Part way throigh my placement I arranged a personal mentor who I discussed both personal deelopment and career progression with.

VM offer an amazing finance graduate scheme which I believe to be a great stepping stone once initially completing the finance placement scheme. This offers rotations in multiple locations within a number of finance teams. This scheme supports the CIMA qualification and has a number of other benefits.

The intern community would regularly have lunch together and meet after work for drinks. The commercial finance team would have quarterly off site days and team lunches. The Xmas and summer party are also great social events which as an intern you attend.

I chose to commute from home and did not rent in the area where I worked. In terms of socialising hook had a few local pubs but you would have to travel to the surrounding areas for anything else. The Hammersmith office being based in London had a lot more to offer.

Hook does not have a lot to offer in terms of nights out but when based in the Hammersmith office there was a much wider selection of bars and venues to spend your night out.

Yes, there was a football club that played regularly and a go-karting group that was also set up. Smaller groups of colleagues would go to the gym or for a run and would always be happy to invite you along.