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
The overall internship I really appreciated and enjoyed. I found my actual daily role slightly less enjoyable as I was spending a lot of my time dealing with very detailed information which led to me completing a key project over my time but didn't give me the overview of different parts of HR that I would have appreciated. However we were given opportunities to reach out and network across the business to find out more about the different parts of HR.
I felt really valued by my colleagues, over the 10 weeks they have become friends as well as colleagues. Had the opportunity for socials with them as well which great to be able to egt to know them all and have fun!
My manager was great at giving me the scope of my project but letting me figure out the details of how I implemented the project. Over the time I was also able to collaborate with my manager to work on some key pieces as well as things outside the scope of my project. She was very supportive and encouraging throughout.
I had enough work to do everyday but generally did not feel overwhelmed by the amount of work I had to do. Occasionally I had a time sensitive deadline which increased my work load but that wasn't the everyday reality. The project meant I continually had things I could work on and ways to move forward so part of my level of busyness was dependent on what I had planned to do next.
I was given a lot of responsibility for the area I was working on - given the opportunity to manage and take responsibility for my project. I was given high responsibility to view confidential documents and work with them on a daily basis including getting to make additions and improvements to contracts. I was treated as a valued member of the team and my contribution was recognised as being integral to establishing the on-going international expansion work.
Throughout my time I developed specific skills around contracts, employment and legal requirements. but I also gained transferrable skills which I will take with me into my final year if university and beyond such as adaptability, flexibility, assertiveness, communication and more,
The Company
The atmosphere in the office was really great. Although everyone in the team works really hard they also are all up for stopping chatting and having a laugh. Often days there would be sweets or cakes around as well. The atmosphere meant that it felt like you got to know people not just in a work sense but as friends as well
The internship was very organised. Before I began my internship I had several calls with the person heading up my internship to talk through what I was doing during my time on the internship. it was really helpful to know before I arrived on the first day what I would be doing over the 10 weeks and I appreciated that I also had met the other intern for my department before I began. The development was also well organised and communicated in a timely fashion before hand when it would be.
The company invests a lot of money in the development of the interns which I really appreciate. From getting senior leaders to talk to you about their experience to getting to do Strengths Finder which the company paid for. They care about you not just doing a role but developing as a person throughout your time. They also give you buddies (graduates) to help you and chat to you throughout your time if there's things you want to ask about but not with your line manager.
The internship is a pipeline for the graduate scheme and therefore future employment prospects are positive within the organisation. The amount of networking you can do also broadens your opportunity for future employment prospects.
The Culture
Yes there was an intenr community that was brought together for development. We would also all sit together and have lunch together which was great and go out for drinks/do social things after the work. The company also provided accommodation for interns which meant they were all living together too
Cost of living - accommodation was free food was reasonable. Socialising - with the fringe on there are lots of opportunities to do things however it can be a bit more expensive
We worked right in the centre of Edinburgh and therefore were at the heart of the nightlife scene and could easily pop to a bar next door after work or sit outside in one of the pop up bars in the squares and gardens.
Yes there are social clubs and activities such as fine wine society that you can join as well as colleagues choosing to do things together after work
Details
Internship (1 Month+)
Accounting
Scotland
August 2016