First Year Intern Review

I really enjoyed the diverse nature of the scheme due to the fact I got to experience both retail and commercial divisions. I also got given a wide array of projects which enabled me to develop a greater knowledge of the different roles and careers available within the company. Each day was different regardless of whether I was in commercial or retail. The fact I had to be nationally mobile and attend events in different areas also made the internship feel like a career within the company.

There were some areas in my retail branch and in my first commercial placement where I couldn't access the systems which made things difficult but they were always extremely kind and helpful. I was generally included in any events organised and there were many schemes within the company which were really inclusive. The GCC activities and intern days were also really good because we could interact easily with graduates.

Whenever I had a problem my manager would help me regardless of whether they were with me at the time (both of my managers were based in more than one area/covered more than one branch or office). Alongside this, I was surrounded by a group who were all very helpful in case I encountered any issues. I was given any contacts I would need throughout the internship in advance so if I had any queries they were quickly solved.

There were a few times where I had completed the work that I had been set, but when this happened I always found something to get on with, in many cases I helped other colleagues. This included joining the meet and greet team if I was in retail, and asking those around me in commercial whether I could either help or shadow them. This meant that I was always either working or learning.

I was probably given more responsibility in my commercial placement because my retail placement was within a branch where a lot of the procedures were appointments with customers where I could only shadow. I also know that for some of the projects I was doing I couldn't access some of the information that other employees would have access to, and that any projects I did complete would have to be looked at by a manager before they could be implemented.

A lot of the skills I gained throughout my internship are transferable rather than solely product or company based. I feel as though the GCC events and the fact that I had to be nationally mobile helped with this. I also feel as though I have found an industry that I would like to work within in the future, and for this reason will be able to know what type of extra-curricular events I would like to attend.

There was always something going on in both the branch for my retail placement and the office for my commercial placement. This included pre-opening meetings which varies according to the days of the week, but also certain "dress down" days which made the atmosphere relaxed and comfortable as well as focused. All staff were extremely welcoming and interested in my thoughts and answering any questions I had.

The entire process was extremely well-organised. There was a logical sequence for the application process all the way along. I also really appreciated the fact that the company provided intern introduction days where interns could get to know each other. This was really helpful because I didn't know anyone else in the area I was placed. I was also given my placements in far enough in advance to make any arrangements necessary.

We had introduction days to meet all of the other interns. We had GCC events where we could meet a number of graduates and ask them about their experiences and any other questions we had. We also had to complete mandatory online learning modules which were a useful way to learn about the procedures of the company without having to ask anyone who was busy - they were easy to work through individually.

I am yet to have my feedback meeting regarding my placement. However, I did receive extremely kind feedback from both of my managers throughout my scheme. The potential schemes for the future are extremely appealing so I hope that I am able to progress within the company. The graduates and emerging talent team provided a lot of valuable information regarding future steps.

The intern introduction days were extremely useful to get to know everyone who was taking part in the schemes. I really appreciated the fact that I was able to meet people from other schemes as well as my own. They also put on a number of GCC events or other intern events for us to keep in touch and share our experiences.

The area I worked in was quite expensive but I was able to have accommodation that was an easy commute to work, and I generally took food in with me rather than buying in that area. It was also good that for any out of the ordinary trips, such as those to London, the company would reimburse us as long as it was under a certain value.

The nightlife as far as I know was good. I didn't experience much of it because I didn't know anyone else in the area. For this reason I only know of the places I went with other interns or colleagues which were good. There was a wide array of nightlife available that would suit a number of tastes.

The GCC organised a number of different opportunities that we could get involved with. This included various fundraising activities for several different causes. The events were in a number of different areas so could be easily attended. Alongside this colleagues and other interns organised more social events that we could attend.