Summer Finance Intern Review

The company culture at Asda is like nothing else I've ever experienced- everyone is so friendly and even the CEO will smile and say hi as he walks past you.

Even extremely senior colleagues would catch up with me to ask how I was doing and I was constantly praised for my achievements- even being allowed to present one of my projects to the Corporate Finance team as an example of how the business had taken control.

I had a weekly catch- up with one colleagues on the grad scheme who was essentially my 'mentor' who would work with me to make sure I achieved my goals, and had regular one on ones with management that focused on improving my experience.

At the beginning it took about a week to establish what I would be doing, but once I had settled into my projects the day would fly by.

I was responsible for recovering £1 million in one of my projects and liaising directly with senior members from other departments- my team had complete faith in me.

I learn a lot about corporate culture at university- but nothing gives you a feel for it more than actually being there, making presentations, attending meetings and building reports. It highlighted for me my key skills and areas to be improved upon and I am confident that everything I have learned will be invaluable for my future.

Although everyone worked hard, there was constant banter in the office that made my experience so much fun. There were always events with free food and music- the place was buzzing.

My projects changed as the internship went along, but it meant that they were always getting the most out of me as I was diverted to the areas that needed extra help the most.

There was no limit to what Asda would do for me- they brought in a CIMA representative to discuss what the grad scheme would be like, and senior colleagues would take 15 minutes out of their schedule to talk about my future with me- they couldn't have done more.

I think I would struggle to find another company with Asda's combination of a fantastic culture and opportunity to progress quickly.

We did have to organise meeting each other ourselves, but that was pretty easy and after that we'd go out together pretty much every weekend.

Leeds is a relatively cheap place to live compared with the South. Bars and clubs can be expensive at weekends but if you know the right places to go it can be pretty cheap.

Leeds is renowned for its nightlife.

There was all sorts to get involved with- mostly charity events such as a team 10k run or climbing the Yorkshire Three Peaks in under 24 hours.