Summer Intern/Analyst Review

The internship was very enjoyable. HR organized lots of fun events for us both inside and outside of work, allowing us to get to know our fellow interns as well as network with other individuals working at the company.

Very. Did not feel like 'the intern' at all. People value a different opinion, especially as I have a slightly different background bringing a new light to things is always appreciated.

Lots of support. My manager was helpful and happy to help if ever I had concerns/questions. I also had an assigned buddy who was always asking how I was doing as well as a buddy from my spring week the previous year who was happy to help. HR as well were there as another support system. Additionally other colleagues I got to know throughout my 10 weeks would have been happy to answer my questions no matter how big, whether they are about how the printers work up to more personal dilemmas. There were lots of people I felt I could reach out to.

I tried to keep myself busy. Work wise I was given stuff to do but not overly much, which is good because you want to be able to get involved with anything extra you can, so my workload aloud for this. There were a couple really slow days when I would often ask for more work but there simply wasn't anything I would be able to help with either because I didn't have access or wasn't trained and wouldn't be able to be until long after the 10 weeks was up. But overall a good balance of having just enough to do.

I had some responsibility. Was given certain projects that I had to do myself and then report back to management. But overall not that much. As I mentioned I couldn't really get involved in the BAU process so didn't have any responsibility regarding that side of things.

Had to opportunity to develop lots of existing skills as well as learn new ones. The experience really put me out of my comfort zone which is important to do sometimes. Lots of training opportunities as well, but sometimes you have to go out and look for training in areas where you know you need development. The skills will definitely help me in my degree as we had to give a number of presentations, something that I'm not very good at, and next year of uni is fully of presentations. Beyond uni I have gained some valuable transferable skills that will be useful in many different jobs (excel, communication styles, presenting, networking, financial markets etc) as well as some great experience.

There was generally a relaxed atmosphere around the office. I was located on the Bournemouth campus and everyone seems more relaxed and chilled compared to London. The introduction of the casual dress code has also added to this. Generally everyone was friendly, creating a pleasant working atmosphere.

Very well organized. HR had lots of good events planned for us and were also on hand at all times to sort out any problems or questions. I encountered no issues over the course of the internship but I'm sure if I had HR would have helped me to sort them.

I feel like a lot of time and effort has be invested in me. I have had the opportunity to attend lots of training as well as other events to help progress my development.

Very appealing. But would be challenging to obtain no doubt.

A very good social scene. There was something happening most weekends both in the evening in terms of going to bars/clubs, but also had day trips planning like canoeing, biking etc. Within our smaller friendship group we often went out for meals or to peoples houses to cook. Most of the interns who live outside of Bournemouth all stay in the Bournemouth university accommodation and hence socialization is made very easy. Also lots of events organized by HR earlier on in the process helped with getting to know other interns

University halls are not cheap (about £115 I believe) but there are other cheaper options. But the general cost of living in Bournemouth is not bad at all.

Its okay. For 10 weeks its absolutely fine there is enough going on. However its obviously no London, so don't come expecting too choice....

Definitely. Lots of different activities were publicized across the 10 weeks either via email, the intranet or informal weekly meetings. Everything from sports clubs (running, cricket, rugby, football etc) summer of sport activities (volleyball, rounders, netball), the choir, bike rides, departmental BBQ's, volunteering, and diversity events.