Finance Analyst Review

There were many things that made my placement enjoyable. The main thing being that you were given a 'real life' job where people relied on you to be professional and meet deadlines. Although there is a social side that Intel organise to get people to enjoy together outside of work, this ranged from Fireworks night to Beer Festival to an Easter egg hunt!!

I feel very valued by my colleagues as I was frequently asked to support them in projects outside my core role. If someone was struggling with work-load, they would also ask me to help them. This meant that I was trusted to complete the task to a high standard and able to meet the deadline they set. In the same way, if I was struggling with work-load, my colleagues were more than happy to provide a help in hand.

There was always management support and guidance whenever I needed it. This included weekly meetings with my manager to discuss any worries I had or to discuss how I was able to progress and get involved in new things. I was also given a buddy at the beginning of the year. My buddy helped me get involved in certain trainings to improve my skills but was also there to for support and guidance if my manager was busy or out of office.

This varied on a weekly basis as there was definitely busier weeks than others. I never felt too overwhelmed that I was unable to do my job. However, there were times that I was very quiet. This didn't last long as there was always someone that needed help and appreciated that you had a quiet period.

I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of responsibility I was given during my placement. I have visited Universities to present to students life as an Intern, created and published sensitive data, presented to managers. Colleagues rely on you to provide them with data, which meant if you missed your deadline it would also affect them.

In the beginning weeks of my placement, we were given a large amount of training, which at the time felt quite overwhelming. However, as the days go on I feel that everything we learnt in the training sessions has already been put in use within the workplace. I imagine these skills will not only be used in the workplace but also to complete my degree studies. The main one being working towards deadlines!!

There was always a happy atmosphere within the office! As a close team, we would go for coffee's together, go to lunch together so if anyone was stressed or unhappy a cup of coffee could definitely sort it out :) Everyone is super friendly. The reception staff will welcome you with a 'Good Morning!' and you can pass several people on the corridors that will give a warm smile and as how you are!

I never felt that there was lack of organisation with the placement. To begin with there are several sessions set up in order to show you what is expected of us. I feel that it was very organised before starting as there is a day organised for all Interns to meet and get to know each other. This was very useful for me as this is where I found people to live with and sorted where I was going to live when I moved here to start my role!

I feel like the company have invested in my personal training and development a lot. Often my manager would sign me up to trainings that he felt would be beneficial to me to improve my current skills and develop. Also, I would have to submit quarterly objectives that I would have to work towards. At the end of the quarter my manager and I would sit down to review these objectives and discuss how I will be able to develop further within my role. My manager also pushed me to step out of my comfort zone by allowing me to present to managers in meetings in order to get my name out there!

This year has already allowed me to learn a lot and develop personally as well as professionally. As a finance placement intern, it's appealing to me that Intel provide a large amount of study days and help you work towards your ACCA/CIMA qualifications. There are also a lot of perks you can receive as a graduate joining Intel such as a higher pay than what you receive as an Intern, a chance to invest in the stock market, financial bonuses!

Yes!!! Interns themselves have their own Sports and Social club who organise several events to take part in. This meant that there was always something going on that you could take part in. This was definitely a positive for those that were unable to go home as easy as others! These events included things such as themed socials, trampoline park, bowling, mini-golf, weekend break away in a cottage!

The cost of living is relatively cheap. Next to Intel, is the Marriott who offer discounted drinks for Intel Employees so it's pretty common to see colleagues in there on a Friday after work! There is also a street that has a large amount of bars that offers 2 for 1 on cocktails on certain days, which is only a 10 minute walk.

Nightlife isn't the best in Swindon. They have recently opened a club which is only currently open on the weekends and is relatively expensive. However, there is one bar/club that Interns usually visit on a Thursday night, which can be quite entertaining when there's 20 of you! However, although there aren't a crazy amount of clubs around, you will not be disappointed with the bars. The drinks are relatively cheap and right across from the main bar, there's a karaoke bar that ends the night quite well!

Yes! There are many social clubs that you are able to get involved in which take place outside of work. There's go-karting club, badminton, football, netball and many more sports that you are able to get involved in. There's also a sports and social committee for the whole site that sell tickets to several different events such as concerts, comedy shows, wine, gin and whiskey tasting, theatre shows in London and many more!