HR Intern Review

Working for a company such as GE can seem quiet daunting at first, and I think that would be the same for any student starting a placement. However as soon as I got over the initial shock that I was apart of such a big organisation I loved it! GE Aviation Wales truly helped me develop skills that I never had the opportunity to do so in University.

There's no question that whoever joins GE Aviation Wales will be treated like family. The sense of community is apparent even from day 1. The company go out of its way to involve not only you in fun events but also your personal family & friends, by holding Fun days, such as going to watch the Cricket, arranging a Family Fun day on site, nights out.

Support is everywhere at GE, you can knock on anyone's door and they'll be willing to help. Every 2 weeks I would be given a formal 121 with my Direct Manager, we review my progress on projects im working on and she gives guidance where is needed. Alongside this as a Team we also sit down once a week for the team meeting to catch up, unload any questions we need answered, and also look for the team for support on the more tricky projects. Other than that, GE Aviation also have a cool App/Website called PD@GE (Performance Development @ GE) This allows people from all across GE to give you timely and effect feedback and support.

Like any full time job, you do get some days where you are slightly quiet, but these days always come as a lovely surprise, as most weeks you would find yourself running out of time to complete everything you set out to do in the day! For me this is great because I hate being stuck around waiting for the next task. Speaking to other Interns within GE Aviation I think they would say the same... and for those of them that weren't that busy, all they needed to do was ask for a bigger project or task and they'd get one.

From day one the amount of responsibility you're given as an Intern of GE Aviation Wales is amazing, you're treating as a full time employee and you have the same responsibility. During my placement I've been responsible for my own area of people being a direct HRM for them, held interactive training days for the whole site, visited other sites conducting and taking part in meetings, and many many more.

I've learnt skills for life. As I've stated previously GE Aviation Wales has given me the opportunity to develop skills I've never had the opportunity to do so in University. I've not only developed skills but I feel I've developed as a person!

Being only a small team of 5 then decreasing down to 4 (due to maternity leave), there was always times where we were super busy and didn't interactive with each other, but at the same time that didn't matter, as a team we had our own way of working. Our office was in no way dull, we had laughs, and always spend time catching up after the weekend.

The internship as a whole was very well organised, we were given a 2 day induction, then a 2 week handover period. I was given a handover booklet from my previous intern with all information I would need going forward for the year.

Although I didn't take part in many 'official' training, I did get to completed a level 1 in city and guilds in Excel training - with the opportunity in future to do my level 2. I also took part in an ILM training course which lasted 6 weeks. Other than that a lot of the training I was given was on the job, and still just as valuable.

I have been offered another year contract with the company and the future with them thereafter looks promising.

We created a social committee, and arrange an official event every month (not just going out and getting drunk) so we would go to play lazer tag, paint balling etc. Aside from that as a company we had many events where the whole of GE Aviation would be invited.

Already being a local to the area I don't really know much different, however comparing a night out in Cardiff to a night out somewhere such as Leeds, London etc, there is a massive difference.

Cardiff as the Capital City of Wales Is a great place to party! Mill Lane is full of fun cocktail bars, whilst Greyfrias Road has your usual Tiger Tiger, Pryzm etc. Aside from these two streets there is also many quirky places in and around Cardiff.

GE Strive on giving back to the community so the opportunities are endless, we hold a sports day for the site, have give and gain days, Cearphilly 3 Peaks, the Welsh 3 Peaks, our Intern Social committee, Free rugby tickets for local games and soooo much more,