This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.
Rating
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The Role
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The Company
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The Culture
- 1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?
- 2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?
- 3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?
- 4. How busy were you on a daily basis?
- 5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?
- 6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
- 7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?
- 8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?
- 9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
- 10. What were the perks on your work placement?
- 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?
- 12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?
- 13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?
- 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?
- 15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?
The Role
I enjoyed the placement once I had got to grips with it however the first week was tough. If you are a good multi tasker then the job will come far more easily to you than it did to me.
I was constantly told what a difference it made having an extra body in the office as summer was there busiest time of year and that with me there the pressure was eased from them greatly.
Management as well as my colleagues were always there to offer a hand and give me some advice on how to go about a task etc.
On certain days there would just be too much to handle, however, the team all work as hard as they possibly can and 9/10 times everything gets done but only due to perseverence and a good work ethic.
Straight away you're given the same level of responsibility as an intern as you would if you were starting a full time career with the company which makes you feel valued, yet was a little daunting at the strt.
The skills I have learnt will certainly help me to handle pressure and have taught me how to multitask far better than before I started. The placement also allowed me to work out what I wanted to do with my future and what areas I needed to focus on to improve my skills.
The Company
People in the office were always fun to be around and lightened the mood of office work. It was great when everyone started winding each other up and joking with each other.
The organisation and communication of the internship on the whole was very good. The structure of the company helps this greatly.
The company was willing to pay for all travel expenses to/from interviews, they offer work bonuses for sales scores and mini-competitions and to train an intern means time lost from company ongoings.
Financial Bonus
All interns are encouraged to represent the company at their University and to set up marketing events to get other students involved which is a paid part-time job. There is also the opportunity to take a graduate placement after university which lasts a year which the company would like you to apply for as you've obviously received previous training and will therefore know a lot more about the company.
The Culture
Interns are placed in the branches which are closest to them which meant I only met the rest of the interns the once at a group introduction day. However I did occasionally talk to one internet as he was at another local branch in which we often called to arrange car hires for different customers.
The area I worked in was realtively cheap and I was lucky enough to get a lift in with my manager each day which significantly reduced travel costs.
I lived in Newcastle and did a half hour commute to Durham each day, Newcastle has fantastic nightlife and cheap cheap drinks.
Details
Internship (1 Month+)
North East
August 2011