Business Development Intern Review

The Placement was slow to get started in some places but once it did, it was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. I was presented with oppurtunities to expand the scope of my role and explore the areas that interested me the most. This has been a great experience in a diverse industry.

I was given real responsibility by my colleagues across a range of tasks and disciplines. I had regular feedback sessions with my line manager and was rewarded for hard work beyond my duties. Overall i'd say I was highly valued by those around me, this was shown hrough their positivity to my involvement in tasks.

I was given regular goal setting sessions with my line manager to ensure I was getting the correct level of support at every stage of my placement. On top of this, I was also given much guidance regarding future career employability by senior colleagues whom have previously held the roles I am interested in.

Some days were extremely busy whilst others were fairly relaxing and offered the chance to catch up on things like industry news and general admin. Whilst in the office this balance was slightly more towards the less busy end of the spectrum, however, if there was an event coming up then I'd be ully utilised to get the job done.

I was given lots of responsibility regarding reports that are fed up through the chain to the Vice President of the company. My work is checked upon request to ensure that no mistakes are made but the responsibilty still exists in the first place. When it comes to events I was also given the responsibility of customer engagement and general running of the trade show stand, something I thoroughly enjoyed.

The skills i have gained on placement will help me extensively. Soft skills such as reasoning will help me to contribute more through my academic studies wheras hard skills such as learning to use computure software will helm me immensely in my future career path.

Fun and friendly. I sit within a sub team that looks after operations who are all bright people. Extending past this I sit on a floor of ex military officers who all have jokes and stories to tell on both serious and more light-hearted matters. I'd say the office atmosphere is extremely pleasant to be in and will always make interns feel welcomed.

The internship was slow to get started and I initially had problems getting used to the business rythm as I couldn't find my role. However, after adressing this with my line manager I was able to take on various different projects and get involved with the areas that would be most beneficial to me. Thus, after the first couple of months, the placement was tailored to what I wanted it to be.

The company invested in me heavily. I was able to travel domestically and internationally to hear industry speakers, something which was very useful for my degree. I was also taught more formal skills such as how to use Microsoft Excel to a higher standard through training courses. I believe the company invested in me the most they could.

There are many offices in the UK which provide graduate oppurtunities. I was given a, 'letter of intent to employ' 2 months prior to the end of my placement. This offered me a job in the business area I work in once one becomes available. Overall I couldn't have hoped for better employment prospects from my Placement year.

The social scene was really inclusive. There was a graduate/Intern mail thread that all the new interns were added to as soon as we started. Social activities ranged from competitive activities such as football leagues to more casual events such as BBQ's and meals out. As the grad/intern group is so large, theres plenty of chance for social engagement during lunch breaks and after work.

Pretty standard for the South of England/ London overspill town. Rooms alone tended to cost more than buddy-up house shares so there was always a way to reduce costs. Socialising and daily life was generally ok in terms of the cost of fuel/ food/ drinking etc. The office is also very close to the town in which I have been living, reducing transportation costs.

The nightlife in the closest town to my office isn't amazing. There's only one lively pub that offers a 'going out' experience. However, failing that there is Milton Keynes nearby which offers a range of clubs and bars for both formal and casual occasions. The downside to this is ofcourse, the cost of transport to and from the area.

Yes there was plenty of sporting clubs and societies ranging from badiminton and golf, to road cycling and fund raising. The communications team did a great job of keeping all employees in the loop and offering all the available activities. With a site of around 1000 employees, there's always someone that shares similar hobbbies and interests as you which makes finding an activity easy.